All eyes inevitably fixate on the presidential race in the frenzy of election season. This intense focus on who will occupy the Oval Office often overshadows an equally, if not more, critical aspect of our democratic process: congressional elections.
While the media obsessively dissects every word uttered by presidential candidates, the real power to shape our nation’s policies and future lies largely in the hands of Congress. This November, 33 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are up for grabs. These seats will determine the legislative direction of our country for years to come. It is not merely the presidency that dictates our future.
Congress has the power to pass laws, control budgets and even impeach the president. Every citizen eligible to vote must understand the significance of these congressional elections. An informed vote for Senate and House candidates is essential to ensuring a government that truly represents the people. The stakes are too high to ignore the critical impact of Congress on our nation’s trajectory.
The True Seat of Power
The legislative branch of our government is the backbone of our democracy. While the executive branch garners the most attention, it is Congress that holds the purse strings, drafts the laws and checks the executive branch. The president may set the agenda, but it is Congress that enacts — or blocks — legislation.
This was most vividly demonstrated during the Obama administration, where a Republican-controlled Congress successfully impeded much of the Democratic agenda, from healthcare reform to climate change initiatives. Similarly, during Trump’s presidency, a Democratic House counterbalanced a Republican Senate, preventing sweeping conservative legislation from passing unchallenged.
The power of Congress is real and immense. Voters must recognize that the individuals elected to these seats will wield significant influence over the direction of our country. The fate of healthcare, immigration, climate policy and countless other issues rests in the hands of these 535 elected officials.
Balancing Government Power
The U.S. Senate plays a particularly crucial role in safeguarding our democracy. With the power to approve or reject presidential appointments, ratify treaties and conduct impeachment trials, the Senate serves as a check on the executive branch.
For instance, the Senate’s confirmation of Supreme Court justices has long-term implications that far outlast any single presidency. The recent appointments of Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett have already begun to reshape the judiciary and will continue to influence American law for decades. Additionally, the Senate’s ability to conduct impeachment trials, as seen in both Trump impeachments, highlights its role as a critical counterbalance to presidential power.
A well-informed vote for Senate candidates is therefore not just a vote for or against the current administration, but a vote for the integrity and balance of our entire government. Voters must consider the importance of Senate races, especially in swing states, where a single seat can determine the majority and thus direction of the entire country.
The People’s Voice
The House of Representatives is the chamber closest to the people, with its members up for re-election every two years. The House controls the budget and is responsible for initiating revenue bills. This makes it a key player in economic policy.
Moreover, the House reflects the diversity of the American populace more than any other branch of government. It is composed of representatives from all 50 states and every conceivable demographic. The 2018 midterms, which resulted in a historic wave of new, diverse representatives, demonstrated the House’s capacity to truly reflect the electorate’s will. This diversity is crucial for ensuring that all voices are heard in the legislative process.
However, this representation can only be effective if voters participate in every election, not just the presidential one. Ignoring congressional races means surrendering your voice in the policymaking process, allowing others to dictate the laws and budgets that will affect your daily life.
The Consequences of Complacency
Complacency in voting — particularly in congressional races — will have dire consequences. When voters neglect to research and vote in Senate and House elections, they risk electing representatives who do not align with their values or interests. This will lead to a Congress that is out of touch with the needs and desires of the American people.
As the 2024 elections approach, it is crucial to remember that every vote counts. The future of healthcare, climate policy, economic recovery and civil rights depends on the individuals we elect to the Senate and the House of Representatives. The presidency may be the face of our nation, but Congress is its heart and soul. Congress wields the power to shape the laws and policies that govern our lives.
Your vote in these races is not only a right but a responsibility. This November, make sure your voice is heard where it matters most: in Congress.
The post Opinion: Your Voice Matters first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.