Midterm elections, or called primary elections, occur every two years, in between presidential elections or called general elections, hence the name “midterm election.” These elections are equally important to running the government as general elections, however, commonly are not treated that way. As a matter of fact, the midterm elections in 2018 had an average voter turnout of 51 percent in Indiana and only 48 percent in Marion County. This is comparatively low to the average turnout for presidential elections in Indiana of 65 percent statewide and 59 percent in Marion County.
The midterm elections this year in Indiana will open voting on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 to anyone over the age of 18. It is especially important for young adults to show up and vote as they have the lowest percentage of voter turnout among all age ranges, with the highest percentage being those over 60.
Voting locations can be found online on the Indiana government's official website (in.gov) and all across the state in easily accessible or common locations, including schools or other government buildings. Try to get in before election day as waiting until the last minute lowers your chances of voting.
One of the main reasons these elections are equally important as general elections is because they always determine each district's representative of the 13 Indiana districts and occasionally determine one of the state's two senators. This means that a substantial part of congress is elected at these elections which affects how much the president either can or can’t change due to checks and balances. Additionally, multiple state and district positions will be on the ballot as well such as school board members, sheriffs, and much more. For Marion County specifically, the main names of importance to focus on for the ballots will be Andre Carson and Angel Grabovsky who are running for District 7 representative, and Todd Young and Thomas McDermott who are running for Senator.
Andre Carson, the democrat candidate for District 7 representative, is the incumbent and followed in the footsteps of his mother who was the long-time District 7 representative before her passing. Carson supports more open and easy access health care along with growing the economy in bringing in more jobs to District 7. Carson has completed 7 terms up to this point and will make an effort to win his eighth term this November.
Angel Grabovsky, the opposing republican candidate for District 7 representative, is Carson’s main opposition. However, there is a third candidate running for District 7 representative under the Libertarian Party. Gabrovsky is in support of “Smart Gun Reform” which includes background checks and “hardening our schools with increased professional security.” Additionally, Gabrovsky is a strong supporter of combating inflation; however, it doesn’t seem as if raising the minimum wage is a step in her plan to revitalize Indiana’s economy.
Todd C. Young, the Republican candidate for Senate, is the incumbent running for re-election in hopes of another 6-year term. Young, 50, a former veteran prioritizes serving veterans, housing affordability, and growing jobs and wages. Despite his priority for growing jobs and wages, Young voted against raising the minimum wage when it was on the floor for voting in the Senate recently. Young has served on multiple committees in the senate as well since winning his first term in 2016.
Thomas McDermott Jr., the democrat candidate for Senate, is the main opposition to Young’s quest for re-election and hopes to win his first term. Notably, McDermott previously was the mayor of Hammond, Indiana, the eight most populous city in Indiana. McDermott now is running for Senate with hopes to create a public affordable health care option which would still allow for those with private health care to use that.
Out of all four of these notable candidates, it is most likely that the incumbents win again with multiple polling sites giving both Young and Carson significant chances of winning this November. Nonetheless it is important to use your right to vote if able and get your voice heard in the elections.