Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have appealed to Americans to participate in the midterm elections, urging voters to exercise their democratic rights as polling gets underway across the country.
In separate messages shared on social media platform X on Monday, the Obamas highlighted the importance of voter participation and community involvement in determining the country’s political direction.
Barack Obama said he had heard concerns from people across the country about the current political climate, adding that the elections offered voters an opportunity to support candidates they believed could bring change.
Michelle Obama also called on citizens to make voting a priority, stressing that political change would depend on people turning out at polling stations.
She encouraged voters to help family members plan their visits to polling stations, assist neighbours with transportation and remind friends to cast their ballots. She also urged communities to ensure that as many eligible voters as possible participate in the November 3 polls.
The elections will determine the balance of power in the US Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s current term. Voters are choosing representatives for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate, with Republicans seeking to retain their control of both chambers.
