Midterm elections offer college students a chance to make their voices heard

By Ansley Hoard \ Sept. 29, 2026

On Nov. 3, voters across the United States will head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections, when all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and roughly one-third of the U.S. Senate will be up for election. The results will determine which political parties hold majorities in Congress for the next two years. 

For college students, the midterm elections can provide an opportunity to participate in federal, state and local elections, even if they attend school in a different state from where they are registered to vote. 

At Maryville College, students have differing views about President Donald Trump, Congress and what they hope to see from elected officials. 

For Caroline Kirkland (‘28), the 2026 midterms are an opportunity to vote for Democratic candidates and potentially change the balance of power in the House. 

“[Trump] exhibits virtually none of the qualities a country’s leader should have: he is ignorant, hateful and he demonstrates a lack of respect for constitutional principles,” Kirkland said. 

“A good president is empathetic to humankind, even those who share different values. A good president has integrity and honesty, as well as emotional stability,” she said. 

Kirkland is not the only MC student who has strong opinions about the current administration. 

One student, who requested to remain anonymous, said they believe Trump has demonstrated problems with leadership and professionalism. 

The student described Trump as “simply incompetent in leading, [and lacking] the professionalism needed to be the president, [as well as] social awareness and what behaviors are appropriate to display towards others.” 

While presidential elections receive significant attention, midterm elections determine who will represent voters in Congress. Members of the House serve two-year terms, meaning all House seats are contested during each federal election cycle. 

The 2026 election also gives voters the opportunity to decide who represents them at the state and local levels, depending on the elections taking place in their area. 

For college students living away from home, voting can require additional planning. Students who want to vote in their home state can generally remain registered there and, if eligible under their state’s rules, request an absentee or mail ballot. They can have the ballot sent to the Maryville College address and must return it according to the deadlines and requirements established by their home state. 

Students who choose to vote in Tennessee must meet the state’s voter-registration and residency requirements. Students should check with Tennessee’s local election offices for specific requirements, registration deadlines and voting procedures. 

Students also should make sure their voter registration information is current. A voter’s polling place is determined by the residential address on their registration, and students who move may need to update their registration before voting. 

For some, the midterm election may not initially seem as significant as a presidential election. However, the results can affect the composition of Congress and the federal legislation considered during the following two years. 

“At the very least, it is important to vote during midterms to show general support for the development of one’s country,” the anonymous student said. “Even if we believe our vote doesn’t matter or will be overlooked, at least we are offering our opinions for the world to see.” 

The voter registration deadline in TN is Oct. 5.