EXPLAINER: What the heck is a midterm election and why does it matter?

Midterm elections in the United States are held every two years, allowing for the election of every member of the House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, and many state offices. These elections serve to reshape Donald Trump's final years in power, as they occur midway through his presidency. The US electoral system, established in 1787, divides powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The president is elected every four years, while senators serve six-year terms and House representatives serve two-year terms. A crucial aspect of the midterm elections is that a third of the Senate is up for election during these events, reflecting the intent to ensure the Senate represents the views of the electorate from various time periods.

The House of Representatives originates appropriations and taxation measures, while senators represent entire states. States with larger populations have more House seats, while smaller states such as Wyoming, North Dakota, and Delaware have fewer. In the US, elections are conducted by individual states, following their own rules and regulations outlined in the Constitution.

Primary elections and caucuses are organized by parties to select candidates for the upcoming midterm elections, with primaries taking place through a voting process and caucuses being physical meetings where eligible voters choose candidates. The outcome of the midterm elections is anticipated to be a significant shift towards the Democratic Party in many congressional districts, potentially granting them control of the House of Representatives and even a majority in the Senate.