Submitted by Larris Marks

As each day passes, there seems to be a new addition on the list of doomsday scenarios. Facing a dangerously intemperate and uncontrolled president with vast powers at his disposal, it’s critically important that we maintain a clear understanding of what’s at stake in the midterm elections, and how much could go wrong if left to chance.

Given the mobilization of left-leaning Americans since the 2016 election and the unpopularity of Trump – which is likely to increase – it’s tempting to imagine a Democratic sweep that would reclaim control of the US Congress.  This would provide crucial political leverage to push back against Trump and republican policies at all levels.  The November 6, 2018 midterm elections will provide an opportunity to make this happen because:

  • All 435 seats in the House and 33 seats in the Senate will be on the ballot, which will provide an opportunity for Democrats to regain seats in Congress.  The more democratic candidates elected during the midterms, the more strength they’ll have to block legislation or nominees they don’t support in Trump’s third and fourth years.
  • Redistricting will be on the ballot as we elect state governors, state legislators and local officials.  Many of the legislators elected on November 6, 2018 will draw the congressional and legislative redistricting lines after the 2020 census.  The Democratic Party is taking aggressive action to prevent Republicans from obtaining the same systematic advantage in congressional and state legislative redistricting that they implemented in 2010 to lock Democrats out of power in Congress and legislative chambers across the country.  We must have District maps that are properly drawn and are representative of our diverse communities.
  • Local elections matter!  These elections have more impact and influence over citizen’s everyday lives than one may think.  Local Fayette County officials make decisions on your taxes, schools, clean water, health care, law enforcement, and the judiciary to name a few. Not voting in these critical elections allows for small groups whose interest may not align with the majority of citizens to commandeer local politics.

We paid dearly in the 2016 election.  But, we can correct that by staying focused on what’s at stake in the midterm elections and getting out the vote.  The 2018 midterm elections are only two years away.  We must start paying attention,

NOW!