‘I voted because I care.’ The importance of voting in the midterm elections

AP

Early voting stickers are seen at a polling station Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, in Milwaukee. Tuesday marks the first day to vote early in Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

By Hope Crockett, Staff Writer
Published Nov 1, 2022

Texas midterm elections, taking place on Nov. 8, include races for the state’s highest offices — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

This election will not only determine state and federal representatives of Texas, but will also contribute to the 2024 presidential election. Texas has the second-largest number of electoral votes of all 50 states. The presidential candidate who wins Texas will get all 40 electoral votes from the state.

Jim Riddlesperger, a political science professor at TCU emphasized the importance of voting in midterm elections.

“The only time the average citizen can voice their views on the government is on election day,” Riddlesperger said.

While midterm elections a week away, early voting began Oct. 24. Senior communication major Allyson Joyce casted her ballot early and encourages others to follow.

“I voted because I care,” Joyce said. “I care about myself, my peers and our rights. I am encouraging everyone to vote so their voice can be heard and make a difference for others.” 

A sign in Worth Hills encourages students to vote in the upcoming midterm election. (Hope Crockett/Staff Writer)

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faces a challenge from Democratic candidate Beto O’ Rourke, who ran for president in the 2020 election.

Abbott is critical of O’Rourke’s stand on immigration and policing. O’Rourke has questioned Abbott’s handling of the Uvalde school shooting and management of the Texas electrical grid, which faced catastrophic failure during a 2021 winter storm. 

Abortion is also expected to be an issue on the table in the midterm election. Before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Abbott signed legislation that effectively bans abortion in Texas with no exceptions. During the only debate between Abbott and O’Rourke, the governor didn’t waver from his stance. 

O’Rourke said conversations involving abortion should be between a pregnant person and medical professionals. When questioned about abortion rights in third trimester pregnancies, O’Rourke affirmed his previous stance. 

“The question is about abortion and reproductive rights,” O’Rourke said. “And my answer to you is, that should be a decision that the woman makes. I trust her.”

Abbott is running for a third term, but there’s already speculation that he could enter the 2024 presidential race for the Republican nomination.