What Are We Voting For? A Guide Into The 2018 Midterm Elections

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Who else are we voting for November 6?

It is election day in the United States , and citizens across America will be making very important decisions on who will control the house and the senate, as well as some very important elections locally including several possible historic governor seats in Florida, and Georgia.

Whether you choose to vote democrat or republican, there will be other important choices to make on the ballot.

It’s important to be informed of these races, as they can potentially make as much or more of a difference in the direction this country goes in at least the next four years.

Below you can find out the races, and click on the link to get some information on their policies of the other races that you may see in your ballot on Tuesday.


New York Races: (Polls open from 6AM-9PM)

Governor

Democrat: (Incumbent) Andrew Cuomo- Has been Governor in New York since 2011. He is currently serving his second term – For Details

Republican: Marc Molinaro – For Details

Senate

Democrat: Kirsten E. Gillibrand – For Details

Republican: Chele Chiavacci Farley – For Details

House of Representatives

For an overal guide click here for detailed information

State comptroller

Democrat: Thomas DiNapoli

Republican: Jonathan Trichter

Green: Mark Dunlea

Libertarian: Cruger Gallaudet

Ballot Questions:

Proposal 1: Campaign Finance

This proposal will lower the amount candidates for city office can accept from donors, as well as increase the city’s matching-funds program. Proponents say this will give more power to small donors. Critics say candidates will be forced to spend more time fundraising, and point out that it will not go into effect until after the next big city election in 2021.

Proposal 2: Civic Engagement Commission

The stated goal is provide resources to community boards, give citizens a larger say in budgeting decisions and provide language interpreters throughout the city on upcoming Election Days. Proponents believe the commission will increase participation in democracy, while critics point out that the mayor will be able to elect more than half of the 15-member commission, effectively adding a layer of red tape to making decisions and giving the mayor more power.

Proposal 3: Community Boards

Currently community board members can serve indefinitely. If passed, this proposal will impose a term limit of eight years. Proponents say this will diversify community boards and give new people a better chance of participating. Critics question whether or not this will actually add diversity, and say board members gain knowledge and expertise the longer they serve, making them more effective.


New Jersey Races: (Polls open 6AM-8PM)

Senate

Democrat: Robert Menendez – For Details

Republican: Bob Hugin – For Details

Libertarian: Murray Sabrin – For Details

Green: Madelyn Hoffman – For Details

Conservative Independent: Tricia Flanagan – For Details

Independent: Kevin Kimple – For Details

Independent: Natalie Lynn River – For Details

Independent: Hank Schroeder – For Details

House of Representatives

12 seats are up for grabs in New Jersey. For details on those races go here.

Statewide questions:
Voters will also decide whether to approve $500 million in bonds that would fund educational projects, including school security and vocational schools.

For more detailed information on New Jersey go here.