U.S. Senate elections are one of the most important elements of American democracy, directly impacting not only domestic politics but also global processes. For many Portuguese readers who follow international affairs, it’s important to understand how this system functions, what its key features are, and why Senate elections so often become the focus of political battles.
The Role of the Senate in the U.S. Political System
The Senate is the upper chamber of the U.S. Congress, comprising 100 senators—two from each state. It plays a key role in the legislative process: passing federal laws, approving international treaties, voting on the appointment of Supreme Court justices and other high-ranking officials. The Senate also takes part in the impeachment process by delivering the final verdict after the case is reviewed by the House of Representatives.
Unlike the House of Representatives, where members are elected for two-year terms, senators are elected for six years. This gives them more political stability and decision-making freedom but also demands thorough preparation for their election campaigns.
How Senate Elections Are Held
Senate elections are held in cycles: every two years, one-third of the chamber is up for election—33 or 34 senators. This system helps maintain continuity while ensuring regular updates to the chamber’s composition. Elections take place simultaneously with those for the House of Representatives and various local offices, making November election days especially intense.
Voting in the U.S. is held on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November. This is established by federal law and is a tradition dating back to the 19th century. In 2024, for instance, the elections were held on November 5. Each state organizes its own elections according to specific rules, but all must follow federal principles, including the protection of voting rights, procedural transparency, and ensuring voter access.
Who Can Run for the Senate
To run for the Senate, a candidate must meet several criteria: be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, be at least 30 years old, and reside in the state they wish to represent. Despite the seemingly simple requirements, a Senate campaign is extremely costly and labor-intensive. Successful campaigns can cost tens of millions of dollars, especially in so-called “swing states,” where competition is fierce.
Candidates may run either as representatives of political parties or independently. In practice, most elected senators belong to one of the two major parties: the Democratic or Republican Party. However, in recent years, the number of independent and progressive candidates has grown—especially with the rise of digital campaigning and the influence of social media.
Voting Methods and Ballot Counting
Voting in the U.S. can be done in person at polling stations, by mail, or through early voting. This system was significantly expanded after the 2020 elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite debates over the security of mail-in voting, the practice has proven to be both effective and popular among voters.
Ballot counting is carried out at the state level and can vary greatly depending on the region. Some states release results on election night, while others take several days. This difference stems from how ballots are processed, including deadlines for receiving mailed votes.
The National Significance of Senate Elections
U.S. Senate elections are always seen as indicators of the country’s political climate. They determine which party will control the upper chamber of Congress and therefore be able to advance or block key presidential initiatives. For example, if the Senate is controlled by the party opposite to the president’s, this can significantly slow down the implementation of his agenda.
The Senate also influences foreign policy, approving or rejecting international agreements, confirming ambassadors, and overseeing defense budgets. Amid global instability, energy concerns, and climate challenges, Senate decisions often extend far beyond domestic issues and impact international markets, including relations with the EU and Portugal.
Interest from Portuguese Media and Society
Portuguese analysts, journalists, and political scientists closely follow U.S. elections, especially shifts in the Congressional landscape. This interest stems not only from the U.S.’s status as a global ally but also from the influence of the American political model on European political discourse. Additionally, Portuguese diaspora communities in states like Massachusetts and California actively participate in U.S. political life, and for them, Senate elections are a key event that directly affects local matters.