Political Parties

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Primary/Primaries (Election)

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Preliminary selection of candidates to run for public office; usually voters decide their party’s candidates.

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Midterm elections in the U.S.

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Elections featuring candidates for Congress, state legislatures, and state governors during even-numbered years without a presidential election.

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Timing of midterm elections

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Occur during even-numbered years that are not presidential election years.

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Frequency of midterm elections

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Held every four years, in between presidential elections.

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Significance of midterm elections

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Determine the political composition of Congress and state governments.

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Voter participation in midterms

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Typically lower than in presidential elections.

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Congressional elections in midterms

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All seats in the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are contested.

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Midterm election challenges

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Can lead to shifts in party control and legislative priorities.

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ballot

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A piece of paper on which a voter enters his or her vote.

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poll / polling station

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Place where people cast a ballot or the recording of votes in an election