The 2026 US midterm elections are approaching, with voters across the country set to choose members of Congress as well as candidates for a wide range of state and local offices.
The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Unlike a presidential election, the presidency and vice presidency are not on the ballot during a midterm election.
Because election administration is largely handled by individual states, registration deadlines, identification requirements, early voting rules and ballot options can differ considerably depending on where a voter lives.
What are the 2026 midterm elections?
Midterm elections occur halfway through a US president’s four-year term.
The biggest federal contests involve Congress. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, while roughly one-third of the 100-member Senate is contested because senators serve staggered six-year terms.
Voters may also encounter elections for governor, state legislatures, judges, mayors and other local officials, depending on their state and locality. State and local ballot measures can also appear on the November ballot.
The 2026 election cycle also includes state primary elections held earlier in the year. Primary dates vary by state and determine which candidates advance to the general election.
When is Election Day 2026?
The 2026 federal general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.
Federal Election Day is generally set for the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. A Congressional Research Service report confirms November 3, 2026, as the date of the next regularly scheduled federal general election.
However, voters do not necessarily have to wait until Election Day to cast a ballot. Depending on state law, voters may have access to early in-person voting or voting by mail.
Who can register to vote?
In general, a voter must be a US citizen, be at least 18 years old by Election Day and satisfy applicable state residency requirements.
States can impose additional eligibility rules, so voters should verify their status with their state or local election office. The US Election Assistance Commission notes that North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration for federal elections.
Some states also allow eligible people who are under 18 to preregister so they can vote once they reach the required age.
How do you register to vote?
The simplest starting point is Vote.gov.
Voters can select their state or territory on the federal website and receive instructions on whether registration is available online, by mail or in person.
Another option is the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which can be completed and sent to the appropriate state or local election office. The form includes state-specific instructions, so voters need to follow the requirements for their jurisdiction.
Registration may also be available through certain government offices, including motor vehicle agencies and designated public assistance offices, depending on state rules.
US citizens living overseas and eligible military and family voters have separate procedures through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
Is there one national registration deadline?
No.
The United States does not have a single voter-registration deadline that applies to every state.
The EAC says some states permit registration on Election Day, while other states require voters to register substantially earlier. Some states also have different deadlines depending on whether registration is submitted online, by mail or in person.
That makes checking the state-specific deadline particularly important as November 3 approaches.
For example, Washington’s EAC listing says its standard registration deadline is eight days before Election Day for online and mailed applications, while eligible voters can register or update their information in person through Election Day. Virginia’s listing similarly allows same-day registration through Election Day under its applicable process.
These examples illustrate why a national deadline should not be assumed.
What documents are needed?
Documentation requirements vary by state.
In many jurisdictions, voters may need a driver’s license, state-issued identification or another accepted form of identification. Some states permit alternative documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill, depending on the circumstances.
The federal government does not impose one universal list of registration documents for every voter. The relevant state election authority determines what applicants must provide.
What if you have already registered?
Registered voters should check that their information is current, particularly after moving or changing their name.
The EAC recommends using the appropriate state election website or local election office to verify registration information. Election procedures, polling locations and ballot options can also change, making state election offices the most authoritative source for last-minute details.
What about voting by mail or early voting?
Voting before Election Day is available in various forms across the United States, but the rules are state-specific.
Some states offer broad early in-person voting, while others have more limited windows. Rules governing absentee or mail ballots, including application deadlines and return requirements, also vary.
Military and overseas voters have dedicated federal procedures through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
Voters using a mail ballot should pay close attention to their state’s instructions because missing a deadline or required information can affect whether a ballot is counted. The EAC advises voters to consult their state or local election officials for the latest ballot requirements.
Why state rules matter so much
US elections can look like one nationwide event on the calendar, but the machinery underneath is highly decentralized.
States establish many of the practical rules governing registration, early voting, mail voting, identification and election administration. Local election offices then handle much of the day-to-day process.
That means two voters in different states can face very different registration deadlines or voting procedures despite casting ballots in the same federal election.
For the most current information, the EAC directs voters to state and local election offices rather than relying on a single nationwide set of rules.
Key dates to remember
November 3, 2026, is the date of the US general election.
The exact deadlines for registration and other voting options depend on the voter’s state. Because those rules differ, voters should verify the deadline, registration status, polling information and ballot options through their state election office or Vote.gov before Election Day.
