The upcoming US midterm elections take place on November 3. Voters across the country will decide whether Republican President Donald Trump retains the freedom to pursue his agenda during his final two years in office. A Democratic victory will place new constraints on the president. According to CBC News, control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate hangs in the balance.

Why the Midterms Matter

The House and the Senate together make up the US Congress. The party controlling the Senate holds power over presidential appointments to the cabinet, the courts and senior posts in federal agencies. The party controlling the House has the power to initiate budget bills and launch impeachment proceedings.

When one party controls both chambers, it gains broad influence over legislation and the ability to block presidential actions.

The Current Political Landscape

Republicans hold slim majorities in each chamber. They have very little room to lose seats and still maintain their hold on Congress. Democrats need to flip just four districts to take control of the House, assuming they hold all their current seats. They also need to win just four Republican held states to take control of the Senate. Winning the Senate is a tougher task because fewer seats are up for election and each requires a statewide victory.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs. Members of the House serve two year terms. Only 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate are up for election this fall. Senators serve six year terms.

The Trump Factor

Donald Trump is not on the ballot. However, his influence on the campaign remains unavoidable. History shows the incumbent president usually loses seats in Congress during the midterms. The only exceptions since the 1930s were Bill Clinton in 1998 and George W Bush in 2002. Both men had very high approval ratings at the time.

Trump currently holds a low approval rating. Only one president since 1950 headed into a midterm with an approval rating below 40 percent. George W Bush hit 37 percent in 2006, resulting in Republicans losing 30 seats in the House and six in the Senate.

Despite low polling numbers, Trump plans to give many speeches in states and districts with tight races. He wants to help Republican candidates win. Some of those candidates are quietly asking the White House to keep him away.

Key Issues for Voters

Polls show the top issue for voters right now is the cost of living. Gas prices are rising due to international conflicts. Consumer goods are becoming more expensive because of new tariffs. These financial issues dominate the midterm polling.

Trump remains a major issue for moderate Republican and swing voters. Many who backed him in the previous presidential election no longer support him.

Voter turnout in midterms is always lower than during presidential election years. Each party is striving to motivate their base. Democrats want to weaken the power of the president. Republicans are warning voters about what a Democratic controlled Congress will do to the economy.

Races to Watch

Campaign analysts consider fewer than 10 of the 35 Senate seats at risk of changing hands. Republicans are most vulnerable in North Carolina and Maine. Polling suggests they also face tough races in Ohio, Alaska, Iowa and Texas. Democrats face their biggest challenges in Michigan and New Hampshire.

In the House, more than 80 percent of seats are safe for either party. Analysts identify 17 Republican held districts as true toss ups. These include three districts in Pennsylvania and two in Michigan. Democrats are targeting these specific areas to win back control of the House.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the US midterm election day?

The midterm elections take place on November 3. Many voters also choose to vote early at advance polls or through postal ballots.

What is the difference between the House and the Senate?

The House of Representatives has 435 seats with members serving two year terms. The House initiates budget bills. The Senate has 100 seats with members serving six year terms. The Senate approves presidential appointments.

How many seats do Democrats need to win?

Democrats need to flip four districts to take control of the House. They need to win four Republican held states to take control of the Senate.

Is Donald Trump running in this election?

No. The president is not on the ballot during midterm elections. However, his policies and approval ratings heavily influence how people vote for their local representatives.