Why You Should Care About the Midterms & How to Vote

Midterm elections carry immense power locally and nationally. The policy trajectories set in motion during these cycles ripple out to create real international effects.

From global trade agreements and military funding to federal judge appointments and state laws, the outcomes determined at the midterms this November influence decisions and impact people both around the world and close to home.

It can be easy to tune out local and state political messaging, especially when it’s a nonstop flow of information. But the midterm elections are one message you need to pay attention to and act on this November 3rd – or sooner through early voting!

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What Are the Midterms

• Midterm elections are general elections held near the middle of a U.S. president's four-year term in office. While the president will not be on the ballot, there are key roles for voters to choose who will control the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the next two years. 

• State and local midterms are your chance to vote for executive leadership, legislative seats, local law enforcement officials, and key community ballot measures.

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WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU

We’ve all seen the devastating ripple effects that can happen when eligible citizens choose to sit out elections and not cast a ballot. When voter turnout drops, decisions get made by a smaller slice of the population, and elected officials from this pool may not reflect the broader community's priorities.

In the 2026 midterm election, you and every other eligible voter has a duty and an opportunity to participate in setting the direction of our local and national government. The outcomes of the midterms can affect your everyday life almost immediately.

Your Pocketbook

Local votes directly influence property tax rates, public school funding, local infrastructure projects, and small business policies.

Community Services

Local officials decide how to allocate resources for public safety, road repairs, county parks, and regional environmental conservation.

Your Rights

State lawmakers pass legislation about healthcare access, education standards, and voting accessibility.

What Is on the Ballot for Linn County, Iowa, in 2026?

Residents in Linn County will be selecting candidates across federal, state, and county-wide offices. These are the folks on the 2026 midterm election ballot in Linn County:

• Federal Offices: 

  • Senate: Ashley Hinson ( R ), Josh Turek (D), Thomas Laehn (Libertarian).

  • House of Representatives (District 2): Joe Mitchell ( R ), Lindsay James (D), Rick Stewart (Libertarian), Dave Bushaw.

• State Executive Offices: 

  • Governor: Zack Lahn, Derek Wulf ( R ); Rob Sand, Dave Muhlbauer (D).

  • Attorney General: Brenna Bird (R ), Nate Willems (D).

  • Secretary of State: Paul D. Pate (R ), Ryan Peterman (D).

  • State Treasurer: Roby Smith (R ), John Norwood (D).

  • State Auditor: Chris Cournoyer ( R), Taylor Wettach (D).

  • Secretary of Agriculture: Mike Naig (R ), Chris Jones (D).

• State Legislative Seats: Members of the Iowa Senate and Iowa House of Representatives vary based on your zip code.

• Linn County Offices: 

  • County Attorney: Nicholas G. Maybanks (D)

  • County Recorder: Carolyn Siebrecht (D)

  • County Treasurer: Paul Talley (R ), Brent C. Oleson (D).

• Local Leadership & Judicial Retentions: 

  • Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners: Emmaly Renshaw, Sean Stoke, Joshua O’Connell (choose up to 2).

  • Agricultural Extension Council members: Kassandra Rice, JaLea Horning, Kevin Bruns, Jennifer Dunn, Kim Bowen (choose up to 5).

  • Judicial retention options: John M. Sandy, Julie A. Schumacher, Sharon Soorholtz Greer (choose yes/no for retaining each individual judge).

  • District 6 Judge: Michael Harris, Mark Fisher, Jason D. Besler (choose yes/no for retaining each individual judge).

  • District 6 Associate Judge: Kristin Schneider, Casey D. Jones, Angie Johnston (choose yes/no for retaining each individual judge).

• Constitutional Amendment Statewide Public Measure 1: Shall the following amendment to the Constitution be adopted?

  • Indivisible Linn County Metro urges you to vote NO on this Amendment.

  • It would change the requirement from a simple majority to a supermajority (⅔, or 67%) in each legislative changer to raise individual or corporate income taxes.

  • This Amendment could tie the hands of future leaders to make changes amidst budget crises and economic downturns, strangling the state of much-needed funds.

• Public Measure NC: Shall the following public measure be adopted? 

  • Indivisible Linn County Metro takes no stance on this issue.

  • Kirkwood Community College is seeking an $88 million bond referendum across multiple counties to fund facility renovations, tech upgrades and modernization of learning spaces.

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ACTION: Put a Plan in Place to Vote

Defending democracy requires active participation. Make a plan to vote early in person or by mail or in person on Nov. 3. Follow these 3 steps to make your voice heard at the 2026 midterm elections:

1. Check Your Voter Registration

Voter rolls are updated regularly, and hundreds of people were tossed off the rosters in recent years. Ensure your status, address, and voter details are current before the election for the most seamless voting experience (or register at your polling place when you vote). Verify your voter registration status through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.

2. Vote Early & Make Your Voice Heard

Avoid long lines or unexpected schedule conflicts on Election Day by taking advantage of early voting options. You can review satellite locations, request forms, and key dates provided by Linn County Election Services.

3. Encourage Others to Participate

Talk to friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors—especially those who didn't vote in the last election or feel like a single vote doesn't matter. Local and regional races are often decided by extremely narrow margins, making every single ballot meaningful.

Voting is your civic duty and your right as an eligible U.S. citizen. Exercise your right to vote! We’ll see you at the polls on or before November 3, 2026.