Read Time: 5 min 10 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

For a fun challenge, test your knowledge with our Midterms Basics quiz before you read today, then come back to learn about the Midterms!

It’s t-minus five days until all those yard signs disappear midterm elections.

Midterms happen every four years, midway through each presidential term. The law is very specific: they’re always on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year, that’s November 3.

Midterms are all about Congress and the states. Voters elect all 435 U.S. House members (they serve two-year terms) and one-third of U.S. senators. Many states also vote for governors, school board members, and more.

These elections get less buzz, but they shape the country as much as the presidential election does. Congress decides things like jobs, taxes, and healthcare. Governors and legislatures handle education (like public school standards), state minimum wages, and housing. In other words, the stuff that affects you most is determined by the people elected in five days.

Midterms also matter to the president. He needs Congress on his side to get much of his agenda done, so he wants his party to hold the majority. However, the president’s party nearly always loses seats in the House, Senate, or both during midterms. Right now, there are slightly more Republicans in both chambers: 218-214 in the House and 53-47 (counting two independents who vote with Democrats) in the Senate.

Over 39 million people have already reportedly voted early. More Democrats have voted so far than Republicans, but the GOP could make up ground on Election Day. Either way, it’ll be a day of tight, closely watched races.

Tight on time for voting prep? We researched your state for hours so you could get up to speed in minutes. Check out TPO’s Midterm Guide to meet your candidates, understand your ballot measures, and pray for your state with the fam.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Elections often stir up fear, anxiety, and anger. Christians have an opportunity to show people that our hope is in Jesus, who isn’t shaken by even the biggest world news. How can you shine Christ’s light to those you love this week?

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Elections are important, but they’re not this-will-matter-10,000-years-from-now important.

Being able to vote in an election and influence your government’s decisions is a good gift from God, and Christians get to use their vote to promote God-glorifying flourishing in their communities. But while it’s important to feel the weight of our choices, elections don’t outweigh God’s unwavering, unthwartable plans and promises (Job 42:2). Our votes may change present-day policies, but they won’t change how the story ends.

We can rest secure no matter which candidates win.

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
By approaching political conversations with grace and humility.

Jesus told us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), and in today’s world, our most visible “enemies” sit across the political aisle from us. We don’t have to compromise on our convictions and values to love our enemies, but we can set aside our pride.

Rather than talking about issues or parties with an “us vs. them” mentality, we can model our enemy-loving Savior by remembering that our political “enemies” are image bearers, talking about them with dignity, and praying earnestly that the Spirit would help us speak truth in love.

Gen Alpha Word of the Week: I’m the CEO of showing up to youth group late…

Family Fun: Turn a hot topic in your home into a formal family debate. Pick the topic (here’s a list of ideas), give the kids time to prep (speeches and presentations encouraged), and let them hop on their soapbox. Then, vote for a winner.

Whipped Cream on Top: The forbidden marshmallow fluff…

What Parenting Advice Surprised Us
The Allsmiths’, in this book*

“Bring your work home with you…” If you’re like us, you probably made a face like this 😳, but stay calm. Blake and Chandler Allsmith have a reason for saying that.

Built on tools they’ve learned as entrepreneurs with seven homeschooled kids, the Allsmiths argue that the same things that make great businesses (monthly meetings, one-on-ones, retreats, etc.) also make great families.

A practical system that helps you build a home that is both productive and deeply joyful: that’s what you can learn from The Family Framework, and it could be just what your household needs. Buy your copy today!

How We’re Doing Family Discipleship
With this open-and-go plan*

Family discipleship matters… but so does dinner, homework, laundry, and all 47 before-bedtime tasks. The Word in Our Home wants you to go from “maybe someday when things slow down” to “we’re actively drawing closer to Jesus as a family.”

This family plan for exploring every book of the Bible is designed to take the pressure off. Real life is busy, so you get Scripture, kid-friendly questions, and prayers to pray together all in 10-15 minutes a day.

Discipleship is doable when you have your family, God’s Word, and a simple place to start. Order your copy of The Word in Our Home today.

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