Election Day Is Upon Us Again

​It is exactly five weeks or thirty-five days until we vote and count the results of the 2026 mid-term elections. Some states, including Maine and Minnesota, have already begun Early Voting.

Most other states will begin Early Voting on October 19, although a few will start earlier. Mail-balloting has begun in virtually all states, but most only allow this process for military personnel, disability, or for voters planning to be out of the country on either on business or pleasure.

Several states will see a rise in socialist-identifying candidates, given the recent success of Mamdani in New York, the continued success of Senator Sanders, and Representatives Tlaib and Ocascio-Cortes. 

This year, the most prominent was Abdul El-Sayed, who won the Democratic nomination for Senate in Michigan. Currently, DSA candidate Nithya Raman is leading incumbent Karen Bass to become the next Mayor of Los Angeles. And there are other important races, as well.

This is expected to be another close race for both the House and the Senate. “Experts” from both parties are predicting their party will win control of the Congress. We will see whose experts were correct on November 4.

The last two years of President Trump’s term will be affected by the outcome. If the Republicans win, the road will be somewhat easier. But if the Democrats win both Houses of Congress, they will stall his agenda, making him a truly “lame duck” President. 

It is up to all of us to make certain we get out and vote. It is our right as free Americans to exercise our right, but it is also our responsibility, to honor those who protected this right for all of us.

And if you choose not to vote, you really don’t deserve to criticize the actions of those who were elected because of your failure to take a few minutes out of your life, especially since there are many options, days and times to vote besides the calendar date of November 3. Otherwise, please have a seat and be quiet.

Take the time to find out and educate yourself on the candidates vying for election. Then, make a decision and go vote. See you out there at the polls.