It is the opinion of some people that this year’s midterm elections could be the most consequential of this nation’s history.

That viewpoint might be accurate over the long run; there’s no way now of knowing.

However, there is an important message contained within that opinion that’s not premature to acknowledge even so far out from the Nov. 3 general election. That is that voters already need to kick into proverbial high gear close attention regarding specific issues in play in 2026 America — not only within the state and, otherwise, within the nation’s borders, but also in regard to how the country is responding to, and providing positive leadership for, issues on the international front.

Particularly regarding the international stage, voters this year, here and across Pennsylvania and the rest of America, need to be especially watchful about learning the facts surrounding major decisions and actions emanating from Washington. Likewise, on the state front.

Meanwhile, Blair County voters who reside in the state’s 79th Legislative District experienced an early start to casting ballots in this midterm year, due to a special election

March 17 to complete the unexpired term of former state Rep. Lou Schmitt, who won election last fall as a judge on the county’s court of common pleas.

Hopefully, some of the excitement that contest generated in and around Altoona will spill over to the primary election and then become more vigorous as the November balloting nears.

Barring some unexpected development, March 17’s successful candidate, Republican Andrea Verobish, will again face Democrat Caleb McCoy on Nov. 3, with both candidates energized by the March 17-centered campaigns that they waged.

Nevertheless, it will be the federal offices up for grabs that will attract the most attention leading up to November’s balloting, followed in Pennsylvania by the gubernatorial race.

Unquestionably, all that currently is happening in America at the present time is continuing to fuel the observation that this could be America’s most consequential midterm of all time. It’s important to note that both major political parties face a big task in building interest, going forward, if the 79th District special election is a good indicator.

Reportedly, only 23% of 40,000 registered 79th District voters cast ballots on March 17, and that must not be the fate of the May 19 primary, which will set the stage for the fall campaigns.

Still, rest assured that there will be a lull following May 19 and that interest will begin to increase markedly following Labor Day.

During that lull, however, voters should not allow themselves to be distracted from the important issues that likely will continue to exist throughout the summer months — perhaps two of them being the war with Iran and economic issues on the domestic front.

Although the 2026 primary election balloting will have concluded, something interesting to watch in coming months will be the fate of the latest effort to do away with the state’s closed-primary system. Individuals registered as independents want the right to vote in the spring balloting, and most states already have accorded independents that right.

What is certain, going forward, is that there is much meriting voters’ interest and it is important that voters strive to stay tuned to developments, whether or not an election is near.

It’s too late after the votes have been counted to lament having stayed home or, in some instances, even failed to register to vote.

Remember the word: “Consequential.” Commit yourself to being a big part of it.