Election Day 2026 is Tuesday, Nov. 3. These midterm elections decide every seat in the U.S. House, about a third of the Senate, and dozens of governor races, plus thousands of state and local offices and ballot questions. Before you plan how to vote, make sure you’re registered, because some states’ deadlines have already passed and others let you register on Election Day.
Your 3-step voting checklist
- Check your registration at vote.gov or your state election office’s website (it takes 2 minutes).
- Know your deadline: registration deadlines vary by state, and some states allow same-day registration.
- Choose how to vote: early in person, by mail (where allowed), or at your polling place on Nov. 3.
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How to check if you’re registered to vote
- Go to vote.gov, the official U.S. government site, and pick your state.
- It sends you to your state’s official election site. Enter your name, date of birth and ZIP code or county.
- Check that your name and address are current. If you moved, you may need to update your registration.
- Note your polling place and any early-voting locations shown.
What if you’re not registered?
Registration deadlines are set by each state. Many fall a few weeks before Election Day, but a number of states allow you to register at early voting sites or on Election Day itself. Check your state’s page on vote.gov today and register online if your state allows it.
Ways to vote in 2026
| Option | How it works | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Early in-person voting | Vote at a designated site before Nov. 3 | Dates and locations vary by state and county |
| Mail or absentee ballot | Request a ballot, then return it by the deadline | Some states mail ballots to all voters; others require a reason |
| Election Day | Vote at your assigned polling place on Tuesday, Nov. 3 | Polling hours and ID rules vary by state |
⚠️ Election information should come from official sources. Your state or county election office won’t ask for money or your full Social Security number by text. Ignore texts or calls telling you the election date has changed or that you can vote by text: neither is real.
Bring the right ID
ID rules differ by state. Some require a photo ID, some accept other documents, and some only ask you to sign. Your state election website lists exactly what you need. First-time voters who registered by mail may need extra identification.
Frequently asked questions
When is Election Day 2026?
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
How do I check if I’m registered to vote?
Go to vote.gov, choose your state and use your state’s official registration lookup.
Can I still register to vote?
It depends on your state. Some deadlines have passed, but several states allow registration during early voting or on Election Day.
What’s on the ballot in 2026?
All 435 U.S. House seats, about a third of the Senate, many governor races, and state and local offices and measures. Your sample ballot is on your state or county election site.
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. Rules vary by state; always confirm with your official state election office.
