The 2026 US midterm elections take place on November 3, with the result set to determine the composition of Congress and influence the remaining years of President Donald Trump's term. Voters who have not yet cast a ballot can find election information through Vote.org, USA.gov or their state and local election offices.
More than 51 million Americans had already voted in the 2026 elections at the time of publication. Voters using mail ballots should check their state's requirements carefully. In most states, ballots sent by mail must be postmarked no later than Election Day, and a late postmark can invalidate the vote. Anyone who requested a ballot but has not received it should contact their election office as soon as possible.
Some states also provide designated drop boxes. County election websites generally list their locations, which may include libraries and parks. States identified as offering or requiring drop-box options include California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Nevada, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
By contrast, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia prohibit drop boxes, according to the information provided. Voters in those states should ensure their ballot is properly postmarked and follow instructions from their local election officials.
Voters who prefer to cast their ballot in person are assigned a polling location based on the address used for registration. Many states allow early in-person voting, in some cases beginning as much as a month before Election Day. Polling hours and early-voting periods vary by state, so voters should verify the details with their registrar or an official polling-place locator, such as those provided by Vote.org and the National Association of Secretaries of State.
Identification requirements also differ across the country. Some states require voters to present identification, while others may allow a person without ID to vote after completing an identity form. Voters can bring personal notes, voting guides and sample ballots into the voting booth. People with disabilities may be directed to a different location depending on the accommodation they need.
Most states offer a way to track mail ballots. Voters can find the relevant service through their state registrar's website or by calling 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
A ballot may be challenged only on a valid legal basis under the National Voter Registration Act. If a voter's registration is challenged at a polling place, the voter may still cast a provisional ballot. The information provided also states that federal agents and law enforcement cannot legally seize voting machines, invalidate ballots or stop the count.
Electronic voting systems are overseen by the US Election Assistance Commission and election officials. Although security studies have identified vulnerabilities, election-security researchers cited in the information say those issues have not resulted in election interference. They instead identify misinformation, increasingly enabled by artificial intelligence, as a major threat to election integrity.
Sources: Mashable.