Most Americans pay close attention to presidential elections.
In the past, far fewer have prioritized the Congressional midterm elections—but they’re paying attention now.
“I don’t think most voters understand what’s at stake in who controls Congress,” said Patrick Ehrich of Chandler.
“I think that midterms are actually more important than the presidential election because midterms tend to swing based off of what has actually happened in real life between the presidential elections. Most voters pay attention to only their party lines and whatever the special interests of their party lines are.”
Northeast Valley News asked people in downtown Phoenix near Patriots Square about the midterms and found that a higher number are indeed aware of the midterm elections in November and the importance of voting. Most said they are willing to wait in long lines and possibly face deters in order to cast their vote, threats from Donald Trump to place ICE agents at polling places will not stop the momentum for many.
A record number of young people have also registered to vote and it began more than a year ago.
“I registered to vote for the first time when Kamala Harris was our presidential candidate, unfortunately, I believe not enough young people took that election seriously, but I do think that has changed now,” said 22-year-old Frances DeWold an administrative assistant who works in the downtown Phoenix area.
When asked if she would be willing to wait in long lines to vote in the midterm election, “I will bring a cooler and sleeping bag if necessary,” DeWold said.
Control of the Senate affects confirmation of judges, Cabinet members, and many other federal appointments.
And this midterm, the voting results could significantly deter the role President Trump will be able to carry out in U.S. government policy moving forward.
According to the New York Times, the latest Times/Siena poll updated on June 9, finds just 37 percent of Americans approve of President Trump’s performance, putting his ratings in new political territory. While recent presidencies have often been unpopular and polarizing, no president’s approval rating has been under 38 percent for more than a few days in the last 17 years, according to our average. If there has been a floor during this partisan era of politics, Trump’s ratings today have fallen to it.
Midterm elections can reshape Congress (Senate and House) halfway through a president’s term, such as determining if Trump can advance his agenda easily, or face strong opposition from a newly elected Congress.
Both the Senate and the House can investigate the Executive Branch.
The midterms also play a significant role in determining which legislation receives hearings and investigations in their chamber and exercise greater oversight of the White House.
Midterm election day in America is always on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, every two years. In 2026, that’s November 3rd.
Arizona voters will also help determine who will run against incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs seeking reelection and determine who will compete for the newly created Lieutenant Governor position.
In Arizona, early voting for the 2026 primary starts June 24 and goes until the official primary election day on July 21. Every state sets its own primary schedule, but the general election is the same day—nationwide.
The result of the November primary determines which party controls the U.S. Senate’s 100 seats.
This year, 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are up for election.
Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority and as Reuters reported “Democrats face an uphill battle to capture the U.S. Senate”.
Because of the thin margin between Senate Republicans and Democrats, a handful of closely watched Senate races will take place in key battle states –– Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Alaska, Georgia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas where Democrats need to pick up four seats to take control.
Voters will also determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives, where all 435 seats are on the ballot.
Northeast Valley News spoke with an Arizona native and medical student about whether young people care about voting in midterm elections.
“I’ve watched a lot of people saying, “Why vote? It doesn’t make an impact,” but I think the world around us is showing the impact of people thinking that way, the way I did. I want to vote this midterm to change that.”
A 25-year-old Scottsdale waitress said she’s registered to vote as an Independent but said she won’t be voting for any Republican candidates this midterm due to what’s taken place during President Trump’s current term.
The fastest way to register to vote is on the Arizona DMV website.
To vote in the upcoming Primary election, you must be registered by June 22.
The Midterm registration deadline to vote is October 5.
