Your Guide to Voting in the 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. These elections, held midway through a four-year presidential term, allow voters to elect local representatives, influence state-level issues, and determine party control of Congress.

This year's midterms take place amidst unique challenges to the democratic process itself. The specific candidates and ballot measures vary significantly across the United States, with no single issue appearing on every ballot nationwide. However, voters will be choosing candidates for U.S. Senate seats in 35 states, gubernatorial races in 36 states, and all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. State legislative races will also be on ballots in many areas. Ballot measures concerning abortion rights will be voted on in Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia. Additionally, six states, including Alaska and Arizona, will feature measures related to citizenship requirements for voting.

Voters can explore sample ballots to familiarize themselves with state and local propositions, as well as federal, state, and local races. Resources like Vote.org and Ballotpedia offer sample ballot lookup tools. Many state election websites, such as those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York City, also provide personalized ballot information based on a voter's address.

To be eligible to register to vote in federal elections, individuals must be U.S. citizens and meet their state's specific eligibility and registration requirements. Most states require voters to be at least 18 years old by Election Day, with many allowing pre-18 individuals to register if their birthday falls on or before Election Day. North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration. Residency requirements must also be met, though provisions exist for individuals experiencing homelessness. Non-citizens, including legal permanent residents, are not eligible to vote in federal or state elections but may be able to vote in some local elections. Felony convictions can also affect voting eligibility, with varying rules across states.

Checking voter registration status can typically be done through the National Association of Secretaries of State website, which directs users to their respective state's election portal. Information required often includes name, date of birth, and address. Registration deadlines vary by state, and voters can usually register online, by mail, or in person. To register, most states require a driver's license or state ID, though alternative documents like utility bills may be accepted in some cases. The U.S. Vote Foundation's website provides a comprehensive list of state deadlines.

An inactive voter registration status may occur if election officials believe a voter has moved and has not responded to an address confirmation notice. Inactive voters can often still cast a ballot by confirming their address or following other state-specific procedures at the polls. Contacting the local election office is advised to restore an active status and understand any required documentation.

Updating voter registration information, such as a change of name or address, generally follows the same process as initial registration. This can be done through a state's election office or by using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which is accepted in most states.

Early voting allows individuals to cast their ballots in person before Election Day, often to avoid long lines or schedule conflicts. As of 2026, 47 states and Washington, D.C., permit early in-person voting without requiring an excuse, while Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire mandate an eligible reason.

Absentee ballots can be requested by visiting the National Association of Secretaries of State website. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures are state-specific. U.S. citizens living abroad and certain military personnel and their families can utilize the Federal Voting Assistance Program to register and request absentee ballots.

The distinction between absentee voting and universal vote-by-mail programs lies in how ballots are distributed. In states with universal vote-by-mail, such as California, Colorado, and Oregon, all active registered voters automatically receive a ballot. In states without this system, voters must request an absentee ballot, often with specific deadlines or eligibility criteria.

Many states offer online ballot tracking services, allowing voters to confirm if their mail-in ballot has been received and counted. If online tracking is unavailable, voters can contact their local election office. Voters have the opportunity to correct (