go vote!

If it feels like politics are kind of everywhere lately, that’s because they are. It’s also because the midterm elections are coming up — and may just be the most important election cycle you’ve seen, well, since the last presidential election. In some ways, maybe more so.

So what exactly are the midterms? They’re the elections that happen in the middle of a presidential term (hence, the name) — and they determine a whole lot of stuff that directly affects you. So while you may think you’re “not a political person,” you’re still a person, which means the outcomes of the midterm votes will have some impact on your everyday life. Ahead, five reasons you should get your behind to the polls on November 6 if you’re 18 or older.

1. Congress directs the country. Control of Congress means control of the direction this country goes in with regard to pretty much everything. If you care about the environment, gun laws, healthcare, immigration laws, student loan policy, LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, civil rights, defense, and infrastructure spending, or even voting rights, then you care about who controls Capitol Hill — because the majority party controls the direction we go in. This year, every seat in the House and 1/3 of the Senate seats are up for grabs. That’s a whole lot of power from one election.

2. You can impact your immediate surroundings. 36 states are holding elections for governor this year. Local elections have an effect on your day-to-day. From debt-free college to criminal justice reform, plenty of policy is decided by local politicians.

3. It’s your chance to give the government a report card. American democracy is built on checks and balances — and that includes the midterm elections. The midterms are your opportunity to weigh in on how you think the government is doing and how the country is going by voting for who you want to represent you in Congress. Love it? Hate it? Let. them. know.

4. Everyone expects you not to. Young people have a historically low record of turnout for midterm elections. Prove your voice matters by proving everyone wrong and showing up.

5. Because you CAN. According to the Pew Research Center, America has some of the lowest voter turnout in the developed world. You’ve got the right, now exercise it!

Show us you voted on Instagram @lulus using #vote and #lovelulus!

xo

Image via @nicholeciotti