2026 Voter Guide
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This guide covers the basics and points you to official sources for your state.
Registration deadlines & early voting dates by state → · Mail ballot request and return deadlines → · Choose your state election guide → · Find your official election authority ↗
Deadlines shown on this site are checked against official state election websites; always confirm with your state, which provides the current dates and rules.
1. Check that you're registered
Registration deadlines differ by state; in some states it is about 30 days before Election Day, while others allow same-day registration. Choose your state at vote.gov to register or look up your status.
2. Choose how you'll vote
- Early in person: options, dates and locations vary. See our early voting guide and check your official state/local source.
- By mail: every state offers mail or absentee ballots, but some require a reason. Request early and note the return deadline. See verified request and return dates by state.
- On Election Day: go to your assigned polling place. Poll hours vary by state.
Details: USA.gov: how, when and where to vote.
3. Know what to bring
Voter ID rules vary by state. Read our voter ID guide, then check your state election office's official requirements before you go.
4. Review your ballot
Find a sample ballot for your address through your official state or local election office. If you are voting by mail, use the official ballot tracking guide to find your state's tool and contact information.
5. Know your races
Every state elects its U.S. House members this year. Find your state's Senate and governor races below. For a plain-language overview of what happens after polls close, read how election results are counted and certified.
Who can vote
You must be a U.S. citizen, meet your state's residency requirements, and be 18 by Election Day (some states let 17-year-olds register early). Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal elections.
Midterm Results Live is an independent information site, not an official election source. Always confirm details with your state or local election office.