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With the midterm elections just around the corner, we need to focus on the direction that our country has been heading in the last two years. A recent Associated Press NORC poll (June 23-27, 2022) showed 78% of Democrats also feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. The poll noted 85% of all Americans feel the economy will only get worse.

Midterm elections are held every two years and are just as important as the Presidential election. While presidents are elected every four years, members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years, and members of the Senate are elected every six years.

This year will mark elections in all 50 states for Representatives, in 36 states for governors, and in 34 states for Senators. Your decision not to vote means you may not be well represented by leaders that hold your best interest.

In the August midterm primary, 70% of Citrus County voters did not vote with reasons, such as: no candidate information or an inconvenience. Both reasons lack credibility. Most candidates have websites with their platform information or had a chance to speak locally on the issues.

Voting is more convenient today. You can request a mail-in ballot through the Citrus County Supervisor of Elections website (https://www.votecitrus.gov/) with easy instructions. There is a convenient Early Voting Period (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 28 to Nov. 5). This is for nine days (including Saturdays and Sundays) at five sites and also listed on the website above. Lastly, you can vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Precinct locations are noted on your voter's registration card.

Lower turnout is frequently a result of a lack of awareness of the candidates and issues and a lack of understanding of the functions of local elected officials and their impacts on daily life. Learn about the candidates through family and friends and do your own research.

Many voters focus only on the major decisions made in Washington, D.C. But the decisions made much closer to home usually have a larger effect on day-to-day life. The United States remains true to its federalism system: states and local governments play a more prominent role in setting policies.

Your vote and voice matter even in midterm elections in so many ways that will affect our daily lives.