Elections that shape a nation

Are cultural and legislative victories self-sustaining? … No. Looking at the history of the American government, it is clear to see that political momentum is difficult to build and easy to lose. Many Americans become hyperfocused on presidential elections every four years, believing that whoever is elected as commander in chief will suddenly “fix” the country for the duration of his term in office. What many fail to understand is that midterm elections, those held at the two-year mark of a presidential term, determine whether lasting policy change will survive.

Considering what is at stake

During midterms, every single seat in the U.S. House of Representatives – all 435 – and one-third of U.S. Senate seats are up for election. These seats control Congress, meaning who sits in them will determine which action items on the presidential agenda are codified into law and which ones are not. As seen in the past, executive orders can be rescinded by the next president. This is why passing legislation is most important.

But that isn’t all. Many state and local elections and downballot races are also held during a midterm cycle. State governments are increasingly shaping policy surrounding education, marriage and family, religious liberty, election integrity, and online protections for children. This means that how you vote this November, especially at the state and local level, will affect nearly every aspect of life in the months and years to come.

Staying engaged

There is a misconception that winning a presidential election means the party in charge can take a break for four years until the next presidential cycle. Because of this misconception, many Americans disengage during this time. While winning an election can provide a sense of reprieve, lasting change must be fought for every day, regardless of who is in power.

The reality is that policies continue changing, affecting children, families, and religious liberty at every level of government. The threat persists for bad policy to creep in and good policy to fall away.

Engaged citizens are at the core of a free society. Self-government requires active participation beyond the four-year mark, and the moral and spiritual health of America rests on the shoulders of its citizenry.

Being good stewards

For Americans, the ability to vote in elections is not just a right; it is a responsibility. America’s future has been entrusted to her citizens, making election engagement a form of stewardship that must not be taken lightly. No matter how loud you shout on social media or in your sphere of influence, if you are not voting your values at the ballot box, then your voice is being canceled out by those who are.

Navigating through the noise

While political noise can feel overwhelming, there are resources that can help Americans be informed and stay engaged. AFA Action, the governmental affairs affiliate of American Family Association (AFA) is made up of three divisions dedicated to equipping and mobilizing voters: Center for Government Renewal, iVoterGuide, and Center for Judicial Renewal. If a voter is unsure of where candidates stand on an issue, what a policy or law means, or why the judiciary plays a foundational role, AFA Action has resources to help.

Being engaged does not just mean voting; it means knowing what and who you are voting for. Participating in elections is not a partisan duty; it is an American duty. Even the late President John F. Kennedy said, “The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.”

The future of America will not be shaped by one election, one president, one party, one generation. It will be continually shaped by citizens who are willing to remain informed and engaged year after year, and who will pass that willingness down to the generations that follow.