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October 8, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Together with Skimm'd while mentally prepping for World Mental Health Day What's Happening …in your social feeds: Fat Bear Week, the annual March Madness-style competition where people vote for their favorite bulky bear. Weigh in, here. …in your TikTok: Butter boards are still spreading. Yep, you butter believe it. …in your travel plans: Not Positano. …in your AirPods: Meta-pop. Top Story Vote, Vote, Vote Design: theSkimm | Photo: iStock 2022 Midterms: Election Day is exactly one month away from today. Here's what you need to know… The Story On Tuesday, November 8, voters across the country will head to the polls. This year, 36 gubernatorial, 35 Senate, and all 435 House seats are up for election. As well as countless local positions. While everyone's ballot will look a little different, the consensus is the same: The stakes are super high. Tell me.  In Washington, Congress's fate hangs in the balance — so depending on which party wins, the Biden admin may need to adjust its to-do list. Reminder: Republicans need a net gain of just one seat to flip the Senate and five seats to take back the House. And polls and pundits indicate control of either chamber is a toss up or thiiis close. But what's happening farther down your ballot is just as consequential this year. Because many of the issues that could impact your day-to-day life are on the line at the state or local level. Including… Reproductive rights. The fall of Roe v. Wade means abortion is now decided at the state level. So, some places are following in Kansas's footsteps by putting anti-abortion referendums on the ballot (hi, Kentucky and Montana) — although Kansas's measure failed. On the other hand, voters in California, Michigan, and Vermont will decide whether their state constitutions should be amended to protect abortion rights. Reminder: Even if you aren't voting in one of those states, abortion is on the ballot almost everywhere — with candidates both for and against abortion rights.  Future elections. Voting about voting? So meta. Michigan and Connecticut are deciding whether to expand voting access, by letting people vote early in future elections. While in Nevada, there could be a total overhaul of how elections are run (think: open primaries, ranked-choice voting). Then, there's Arizona, where there's a ballot measure that would add voter ID requirements. Also, reportedly, a majority of GOP candidates running for office have denied or questioned the outcome of the 2020 election. (Even though there's no evidence of widespread voter fraud.) That includes several who, if elected, would be in charge of overseeing future elections — potentially undermining democracy. Gun safety. Mass shootings and rising gun homicide rates are top of mind for many voters. (See: Nearly 60% of respondents in one poll said gun policy would play a "major" role in their decisions.) So candidates are making it a big part of the conversation. In some states, there are also ballot measures. See: Iowa, where voters will decide whether to put the right "to keep and bear arms" in the state constitution. And Oregon, where there's a gun control measure on the ballot that, if passed, would reportedly be one of the strictest in the country.  Education. Governor. Superintendent. School board member. There are a number of state races that could impact your child's school. Since this election cycle comes amid a wave of anti-CRT rhetoric, book bans, and policies that discriminate against LGBTQIA+ youth. The economy. From the gas station to the grocery store, everywhere you go is a reminder that prices aren't what they used to be. Yep, we're talking about inflation. One poll found that more than 80% of Americans ranked it as a top issue. And with high prices expected to continue, candidates across the country are making the case for how they'll ease the financial burden.   theSkimm In spite of how important the midterms are, voter turnout is usually low (think: in 2018, only 53% turned out). But the 2022 midterms could be some of the most consequential in history. So if you haven't registered to vote, do that today. No, seriously, today. Because, for 13 states, voter registration ends within the next few days. PS: Curious what Skimm'rs think about the midterms? Find out here. Bookmark'd Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends... Grand-mates: Generations Sharing a Special Bond (and Sometimes the Rent)...why a growing number of young adults are moving in with their grandparents. Are You the Same Person You Used to Be?...how much people can actually change, according to science. Why Is Everyone Stealing Parrots?...a deep dive into an a-parrot-ly very common problem. In Case You Missed It If you've always got 10 tabs open, we get it. So much to browse, so little time. Which is why we've rounded up some of our fave recent product recs so you don't miss a thing. Check out… Cozy home decor finds under $80 The items Skimm'rs loved most last month Downtime Photo: Getty Images Downtime doesn't have to mean doing nothing. Here's one idea for making the most of your weekend. We probably don't have to tell you that fall has officially arrived. Perhaps, you've already gotten to enjoy the cool, crisp air, some "Gilmore Girls" reruns, and all things pumpkin spice. But before time slips through your fingers and winter begins to creep in, we've rounded up some fun fall activities to add to your to-do list. Starting with… Taking a trip to your local pumpkin patch: Decorative gourd season is never old news. So grab a group of friends and set out in search of the perfect pumpkin. (Pro tip: Also keep an eye out for apple gourds, speckled swans, and more.) Depending on the farm, you may also be able to wander through a corn maze, take a hayride, and snack on apple cider doughnuts. And once you're home, don't forget to carve or decorate said pumpkin.  Going leaf peeping: Look outside your window, and you might spot some stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red. But be-leaf-it or not, there's a peak time to catch these colors — so check out this handy map and head to a woodsy area near you. Visiting a haunted house: Because there's nothing like a messed-up clown chasing you down a dark hallway, right? After all, it is spooky season. Or, if you prefer to do the scaring, consider turning your home into the haunted house of your dreams with these decorating tips. Ready, set, boo. Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. The power of a big O in the palm of your hand. Yes, we mean 'orgasm.' And yes, we're talking about Dame's best-selling Pom vibrator. Think: flexible design, a tiny-but-mighty motor, and five patterns and intensity levels. You're wel-come.* 2. A sale that'll get your home looking good. And your heart feeling full. During Wayfair's Five Days of Deals, you can score up to 80% off furniture, appliances, decor, and more. And part of the profits will go to a good cause. Don't miss it.* 3. How one woman's 'aha' moment helped change her path. April's a newly married military vet, outdoors lover, and one of millions of people in the US living with MDD (aka Major Depressive Disorder). Here's theSkimm.*† *PS: This is a sponsored post. †Paid content from Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Lundbeck Skimm More More Skimm, more knowledge. Here's what else we've covered… Are you blue, orange, green, or yellow/gold? The TikTok-famous Color Personality Test, Skimm'd Bestselling author Eve Rodsky on the importance of finding your "unicorn space" Why Gabriela Berrospi wants you to start investing ASAP Here's the latest on the unrest in Iran, following the death of Mahsa Amini  Save the Date Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about... Indigenous Peoples' Day. More on that in your inbox on Monday. National Coming Out Day. Learn how you can show your support, here. The start of the 2022-23 NHL regular season. Puck yeah. Amazon's having a second Prime Day. And it'll be twice as nice. PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here. theSkimm Loyalty Program Design: theSkimm Midterms are coming up. Get ready to head to the polls with theSkimm while earning points towards prizes. Not a member yet? Sign up here and get rewarded for preparing to cast your vote. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Hannah Parker, Xian Chiang-Waren, and Melissa Goldberg Subscribe Listen Daily Skimm   ❯ Today's headlines, Skimm'd Skimm This  ❯ This week's news, Skimm'd Skimm Money  ❯ The week's news and your $ 9 to 5ish with theSkimm  ❯ Our weekly career podcast Skimm Your Life  ❯ Shopping recs, reads, and more Download theSkimm App  ❯ The app for all things Skimm theSkimm.com Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theskimm.com Issues? help@theskimm.com Advertise with us | Careers See our full sponsor agreement | Unsubscribe Copyright (c) 2022 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B, New York, NY 10010