How to Elect U.S. Senators

There are two senators from each state who make up the United States Senate. The U.S. Senate serves an important role in the government by approving and commenting on many of the President's decisions and political appointments. You should know about the process to elect U.S. senators since they are representing your values.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Learn to Elect U.S. Senators

1. Look forward to Senate elections every other year. U.S. Senators are up for election every even numbered year. The members serve six-year terms, which are set up so that 1/3 of the senate is up for election every election period.
2. Register with the state's Election Division or Commission if you want to run for senator. Remember that all candidates must be at least 30 years old, currently live in the state they wish to represent and have been a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years. States require a petition with a certain number of voter signatures before you can be placed on the ballot.
3. Pay attention to special by-elections for senators. If a senator resigns or is removed from her position by a 2/3-majority senate vote, the governor must appoint a temporary senator to fill the empty seat. In the next election year, this seat will be open and up for election in a special by-election.
4. Join a campaign or contribute financially to a senatorial candidate you support. Just like presidential elections, the Federal Elections Commission limits campaign contributions to $2,300 per election.
5. Go to the polls during Election Day and cast your vote. Senate elections are held in every sate on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. The candidate with the majority of votes wins the election.

Tips & Warnings

• Only one senate seat is up for election at a time. In the event of an open seat during the end of the other senator's term, the special election will not be held at the same time as the regular election.
• Most states do not allow recall elections for senators. However, the Senate has the power to expel any member in a special vote.
• Sometimes a person under the age of 30 can be elected to the Senate. However, in most of these cases the new senator is not sworn in until after he turns 30.
• Be sure you think carefully about which U.S. senators you want to elect because they serve long terms and generally have more power than state representatives.