Watch Yara Shahidi Explain Why Voting in Midterm Elections Is So Important

We may have just had a presidential election in 2016, but now it’s almost time for the midterm elections. In light of this, NowThis and Yara Shahidi want you to know about the 18x18 campaign, which is encouraging 18-year-olds to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

So, what are the midterm elections? They’re exactly what they sound like, in that they happen in the middle of the presidential term. We may not be voting for who’s president this time around, but that doesn’t mean these elections aren’t important.

This is because it determines who controls Congress — and whoever controls Congress controls the country. Right now, so many important issues like gun reform, environmental policy, and student loan laws hang in the balance as the majority rule in Washington is decided.

There’s a lot at stake, but voters, particularly young voters have the chance to make a real impact in the wake of these elections. Considering that every single one the 435 seats in the House are Representatives in up for grabs, voting can make such an immense impact on country’s law-making process.

Additionally, 36 states are having gubernatorial elections, so local politics could also see a power shift depending on the results.
In 2018, young people can literally decide on the direction of our country. So, if you want your voice to be heard, the most powerful thing you can do is vote on November 6.