WHAT ARE THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS?
All seats in the US House of Representatives and a third of seats in the Senate — the two bodies that make up US Congress — are up for grabs.
Why does it matter?
It is the first time we really see what voters are thinking about Donald Trump’s presidency. The results could also have an impact on how the next two years will play out.
How might it affect Donald Trump?
The Republicans hold majorities in both the House and the Senate. The Democrats could take the majority in one or both, making it much harder for Trump to pass laws. If that happens, new congressional investigations into the President could also be launched.
How likely is that to happen?
hand them a majority. However, winning back the Senate is much harder. About three quarters of senators up for re-election this year are aligned to the Democrats, meaning making overall gains is hard.
Could it change the chance of impeachment?
Yes. Impeachment, the process of removing a president from office, starts in the House — so if the Democrats have the majority it is more likely to happen. However, few leading Democrats are publicly suggesting such a move.
TURNOUT
Expected to be higher than the 40% that normally votes in midterm elections. Turnout for presidential elections is usually around 60%. Trump being elected President . . . was kind of like the bat signal for many women across the country, not just Muslim women but women from all backgrounds. And it was a call to say we have to act and that's why so many women are running for office. — Rashida Tlaib
. . . running unopposed for the House of Representatives in Michigan. She will be the first Muslim woman in Congress and could be joined by Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar.
Twenty-three women are running for Senate seats and 237 are vying for House of Representatives seats. Of that total, 75% are Democrats.
16 women are running for governor.