NATION & WORLD 2022 midterm elections quickly approaching

The Nov. 8 midterm elections are right around the corner, and it’s common to have some questions as you prepare to cast your ballot.

The midterms arrive halfway into President Joe Biden’s first four years. The presidency is not on the ballot for midterm elections. But hundreds of congressional seats are up for election, and those results will be crucial to Biden’s remaining time in office.

A lot is also on voters’ minds as we near November – including abortion rights, inflation, the war in Ukraine, racialjustice,climatechangeandthestate of the economy.

Here’s what you need to know:

When are the midterm elections?

How can I vote?

The 2022 midterm elections are Tuesday, Nov.8. As you prepare to cast your ballot, it’s important to doublecheck with your state’s election laws –including deadlines for voter registration and absentee ballots. In many states, but not all, you can vote early. Contact your local election officials to learn more. If you’re unsure where to go first, start by looking up your state information on the U.S. Election Commission website.

What candidates are running in the midterms?

All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election dur-

As you prepare to cast your ballot, double-check your state’s election laws, like deadlines for voter registration and absentee ballots. MEG ing the midterms, because representatives serve two-year terms. Five of the House’s additional six seats for nonvoting members – representing the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories – also will be contested this year, Ballotpedia notes.

U.S. senators have six-year terms, so about one-third of the Senate’s 100 seats are up for grabs each midterm cycle. This year, 35 Senate seats are on ballots across 34 states.

Outside of the U.S. Congress, key races for governors, state legislatures, local councils and more are held Nov.8. How will the midterms determine Biden’s future in office?

When the House, Senate and presidency are occupied by members of the same political party, it’s generally easier for a president to pass their intended legislation. Democrats control both the