Why Midterms Matter — And Why We Start Early

Midterm elections rarely generate the buzz of a presidential year, but their impact is often just as real and sometimes more immediate.

Turnout tells the story. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 66 percent of the voting-eligible population cast a ballot in the 2020 presidential election. In 2022, that number dropped to roughly 53 percent. Fewer voters participating means fewer voices helping shape decisions that affect everyday life.

Midterms determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and many U.S. Senate seats. They also decide who serves in state legislatures, on judicial benches, and in a range of local offices. Decisions about education funding, public safety, infrastructure, health care, and taxes are often shaped more directly at these levels than many people realize.

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that participation gaps tend to widen in midterm elections, particularly among younger voters and historically underrepresented communities. When turnout declines, policy decisions may not reflect the full diversity of a community.

Midterms also serve as a moment of accountability. As the Bipartisan Policy Center notes, these elections frequently shift legislative priorities and influence the balance of power in Congress and statehouses across the country.

In short, midterms are not a “smaller” election. They are simply quieter. And in quieter elections, each individual vote carries even more weight.

It may feel early to be talking about the midterms. Election Day is still eight months away.

But meaningful civic engagement does not begin in October. It begins with understanding the issues, asking thoughtful questions, and giving ourselves time to learn. When voters wait until the final weeks before an election, decisions are often shaped by headlines rather than by deeper understanding.

Starting now allows space for informed conversation. It gives voters time to examine how legislation affects local schools, libraries, emergency services, and neighborhoods. It allows residents to verify registration, explore early voting options, and engage with candidates and issues without urgency clouding judgment.

Lower-turnout elections tend to reward those who are organized and prepared. By beginning early, we strengthen participation across the entire community.

That is why the League’s work does not pause between presidential cycles. When we host community forums, publish voter guides, and offer clear, nonpartisan information, we are helping ensure that voters are prepared long before ballots are cast. Civic education is not a last-minute effort. It is a steady commitment. Eight months is not too soon. It is an opportunity.

HAPA (Health Access and Privacy Advocates) is a coalition of civic, educational, religious, professional, and health organizations from across the state working in cooperation to improve access to healthcare and protect personal and private reproductive decisions in Indiana. Learn More at https://www.hapaindiana.org/.

By the time you receive your Voter, the General Assembly will have completed its work for 2026.

Here are the bills HAPA and the LWVIN Women’s Health Advocates were following and their status as of this writing.

SUPPORT

SB 85: Health care debt and costs. Inactive Passed out of the Senate but never received a hearing in the House.

SB 90: Consent for pelvic, prostate, and rectal exams. Passed the Senate and the House with amendments and currently in concurrence.  Prevailed Yeas 48 Nays 0 Will go to the Governor.

SB 139: Jury duty exemption for women breastfeeding. Passed the Senate and House and ordered engrossed 2/24. Headed to the Governor for signature.

OPPOSE

SB 1: Human services matters. Passed the Senate and House. It is headed to a Conference Committee for concurrence. Prevailed Yeas 39 Nays 9 Will go to the Governor for a signature.

SB 182: Gender issues.  Inactive. Passed the Senate but did not receive a hearing in the House Committee.

SB 236: Abortion inducing drugs and abortion reports. Inactive BUT the language related to suing drug manufactures and people who assist in obtaining specific drugs for a medical abortion is being used to add amendments to other non-related bills.

There were some successes this legislative period and some disappointments.  Many thanks to all those who called and emailed their legislators sharing their thoughts on the language of these bills.

Submitted by Joanne Evers and Amy Mickschl

Local Government Meeting Schedules

• County Council Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of every month at 8:30a, Tippecanoe County Building
• County Commissioners Meeting: 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at 10a, Tippecanoe County Building
• West Lafayette City Council: 1st Monday of every month at 6:30p, Margerum City Hall
• Lafayette City Council: 1st Monday of every month at 6:00p, Lafayette City Hall

NOTE: All meetings are subject to change or cancellation, so check before attending.

Barb Clark, Exec-Business organization@leaguelafayette.org

Lori Miller, Exec-Advocacy/Outreach advocacy@leaguelafayette.org

Beth Jones, Exec-Events/Public Educ events@leaguelafayette.org  

Susanne Mort, Treasurer treasurer@leaguelafayette.org  

Amy Bolman French, Secretary secretary@leaguelafayette.org

Lynn Wood, Comms Dir & The Voter Editor communications@leaguelafayette.org

Sallie Fahey, TriChair Env Sustainability envt_sustain@leaguelafayette.org

Kay Nannet, Membership membership@leaguelafayette.org

Taylor Flanery, Voter Services voterservices@leaguelafayette.org