With only one day until the Midterm elections, many Americans are still unsure of their options locally and nationally. This cycle of elections, the biggest issues that people are worried about are inflation, the economy, border security, rises in crime rates, and abortion rights. Lots of people are feeling disenfranchised and in the dark when talking about the future of the country and how the people in power have not done anything to help the current situation that America is in. People are looking for change, and America will likely see voters in record numbers for a second straight election. It is extremely important for young people and registered voters to have a basic understanding of the politicians they, and others, are voting for in this election cycle that will shape the future of America. 

Maine:

We have quite a few state and federal elections that are important to the balance of the country. To start off, the Governorship of Maine is up for election between incumbent Janet Mills [D]  and former two-term Governor Paul LePage [R].  Governor Mills is running on a platform of high-quality education, abortion rights, and bringing Republicans and Democrats together to solve issues. Former Governor LePage is running on lowering taxes, rebuilding Maine’s economy, and bringing younger people to Maine to rebuild the state’s depleted workforce. 

There are also two major races for the two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In District 1, incumbent Chellie Pingree [D] takes on former Navy Seal Ed Thelander [R]. This district represents Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel. 

In District 2, incumbent Jared Golden [D/I] takes on former U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin [R]. This race is very important but will not be able to be voted on by people living within District 1. 

Governors:

Around the country, there are 35 other gubernatorial seats that are up for election or re-election. Current Florida Governor and Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis [R] takes on former Governor and current U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist [D]. DeSantis has built up a large lead in the state following the only debate, and is most likely to retain his seat as governor. Unlike this race however, there are quite a few tossups/close races. With current Arizona Governor Doug Ducey being in his second term, the race will be decided by Kari Lake [R] or Katie Hobbs [D]. This race according to most polls is extremely close or even tied in some cases. 

Some other toss up or close races that matter include: 

NY where incumbent Kathy Hochul [D] takes on Lee Zeldin [R]

WI where Tony Evers [D] takes on Tim Michaels [R] 

OR Race where Tina Kotek [D] is in close contention with Christine Drazan [R] 

MI where incumbent Gretchen Whitmer [D] is in close proximity with Tudor Dixon [R] 

PA where Josh Shapiro [D] takes on Doug Mastriano [R]

Senate:

Finally, there are a plethora of Senate Races that will help determine the fate of America. In PA, Dr. Mehmet Oz [R] faces off against Lt. Governor John Fetterman [D] for one of the deciding U.S. Senate seats. This race will most likely decide which party holds the majority of power in the Senate. Dr. Oz has gained a lot of ground in this race after the debate in which Fetterman struggles because he had a stroke in May. 

Some of the other important races include:

GA where Herschel Walker [R] takes on incumbent Raphael Warnock [D] 

NV in a close race Catherine Cortez Masto [D] and Adam Laxalt [R]

AZ where incumbent Mark Kelly [D] takes on newcomer Blake Masters [R]

NH between incumbent Senator Maggie Hassan [D] and retired Army General Don Bolduc [R]

OH between Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Ryan

Overall, it seems like many Americans are fed up with the current administration and how it has dealt with issues such as inflation, gas prices, supply chain issues, and also the overall economy. I think that people need to make their voices’ heard by voting this election cycle and they really need to choose wisely on who best represents their personal values and also the future they want to see. Getting out and voting is the most important right that a U.S. citizen possesses and is a responsibility that everyone should take advantage of.