Last month’s blog was all about how the 2020 election may impact the U.S. court system through Supreme Court appointments. There’s more at stake though; here’s why you should vote in this election.
The Supreme Court is one of the highest issues amongst voters. In last month’s blog, we discussed why the 2020 presidential election is unique compared to previous years. However, there’s a lot riding on this election. It’s not solely about the presidential election. This month, we’re going to give you some great reasons why you should vote in the upcoming general election on November 3rd.
Judicial Elections
Judges can attain their position in one of two ways: they are either appointed or elected. Judges who are appointed can serve as long as they wish to, whereas judges who are elected can be replaced. Research has found that judges who are appointed are more lenient with their rulings in that they’re more likely to go against their political party’s beliefs in order to keep a ruling fair and impartial.
Data even shows that judges tend to be harsher during election years: they tend to stick to their party’s views or beliefs rigidly when making rulings and, if on a board of other judges, they’re less likely to listen or compromise with their colleagues from opposing parties.
It’s important to vote in judicial elections, whether they are partisan elections or not. Judges impact the courts and you never know whether that may affect you in upcoming years.
Congressional Elections
Congressional elections happen every two, four, or six years depending on the level of Congress. U.S. Senate elections occur every 6 years. U.S. House elections occur every 2 years. State Congress elections vary depending on the state, but it’s mostly every 4 years. There are no term limits for congress people, whether they are state or federal, so it’s important to vote year after year. Congress members have a large part in making federal and state legislature.
Gubernatorial Elections
Held every four years are elections for Governor, otherwise known as gubernatorial elections. In Kansas, an official can only serve as Governor for two consecutive terms of four years, but they are eligible to run again after four years out of office. In Missouri, governors are only allowed two terms of four years and are not allowed to serve in office again.
Governors are key officials between state and federal levels of government and are important in your state’s legislature. They sign and veto bills and they act as commander-in-chief of state military forces; essentially, they do the same things the President does but on a smaller, state scale.
Get Out and Vote
Kansas has ballots in the upcoming election for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate, State House, State Supreme Court, and local judges. Missouri has ballots in the upcoming elections for the U.S. House, Governor, State Senate, State House, State Supreme Court, as well as local judges. Appellate courts in both states also have some vacated positions. The 2020 election is about more than the next U.S. President. Your voice matters and your vote counts. No matter what party you identify with or where you live, you should always exercise your right to vote. See you at the polls November 3rd!
