The Midterm Elections have been a hot topic in the past months, but many people do not even know what they are or their significance.

Many people who vote in the presidential election do not vote during the midterm elections because those elections do not seem as important; however, mid-term elections have a huge influence on policies and laws passed or changed every two years.

At this time, each party tries to gain more control in Washington. Multiple positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives are up for election.

All 435 members of the House of Representatives are voted on, as well as one-third of the Senators. Senators serve for six years, and their elections are staggered so that every two years, one-third of the seats are up for election.

The Midterm elections occur halfway between the presidential elections, and they decide which party, Democratic or Republican, will control each chamber for the next two years.

In the past, Midterm elections have had a much lower participation rate than the presidential elections. However, this year a large turnout of voters is expected.  

One has to be registered to vote-unless living in North Dakota- and at least eighteen to vote. Most states allow online registration, but some do not, and a person has to apply through the mail.

On election day, every county and city have different places to vote. Some states require voters to vote in a specific place, like a town hall or a church, but some have ballot drop spots or online voting.

In order to register to vote, visit Vote.gov.