Fact Check: "The midterm elections in the United States occur every four years."
What We Know
The claim that midterm elections in the United States occur every four years is incorrect. In fact, midterm elections take place every two years, specifically halfway through a president's four-year term. During these elections, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the 100 Senate seats are contested (Congressional elections and midterm elections). The most recent midterm elections occurred in November 2022, and the next ones are scheduled for November 2026 (Congressional elections and midterm elections).
Analysis
The assertion that midterm elections occur every four years likely stems from confusion with the presidential election cycle, which is indeed every four years. However, midterm elections are specifically defined as those held in the even-numbered years that fall between presidential elections (Election timing). This means that midterms occur in years such as 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, with the next set in 2026.
The sources reviewed are reliable and provide clear definitions of the election cycles in the U.S. The information from the U.S. government website is particularly authoritative, as it outlines the structure and timing of congressional elections. Additionally, the MIT Election Lab provides context on election timing and its implications, reinforcing the understanding that midterms are biennial events.
Conclusion
The claim that midterm elections in the United States occur every four years is False. Midterm elections are held every two years, specifically in even-numbered years that are not presidential election years. This distinction is crucial for understanding the U.S. electoral process.
