Midterm elections are general elections held in the United States at the midpoint of a president's four-year term. They typically occur on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November and do not include a presidential contest, but they do determine control of Congress and many state and local offices. Specifically, during U.S. midterms:

• All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election.
• About one-third of the 100 Senate seats are up for election.
• Many governors and state legislative seats are also contested in midterm years, depending on state schedules.

Key features and implications:

• Turnout and dynamics: Voter turnout in midterms is generally lower than in presidential elections, which can influence results and campaign strategies. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in Congress during midterm elections, though there are notable exceptions.
• Consequences: The party balance in the House and Senate can affect the president’s ability to advance legislation, confirm appointments, and implement policy priorities. A shift in control can lead to changes in legislative agendas and oversight.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific country’s midterm elections (outside the U.S.) or provide a timeline of upcoming U.S. midterm election dates, key races to watch, and how to participate in voting.