6 days 2026 midterms: Tuesday, November 3. Live results here on election night — see the projections now. How to vote Projections map
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

How to Vote

Everything you need, from official sources only: check your registration, find where to vote and know your state's rules.

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026. Each state sets its own rules; when in doubt, your state or local election office has the final word.

Check three things today

  1. Are you registered? Look yourself up on your state's official site through the National Association of Secretaries of State lookup.
  2. Where do you vote? Your polling place may have changed. Find it with the official polling place finder.
  3. What should you bring? See the forms of ID your state accepts.

Key rules

  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Hours vary by state; see poll closing times.
  • Early in-person voting: 47 states and D.C. offer it; Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire don't, though they allow absentee voting for eligible voters (NCSL). In many states it ends the weekend before Election Day.
  • Same-day registration: 25 states and D.C. let you register and vote the same day, some only during early voting (NCSL). In the rest, the deadline has passed.
  • ID: 36 states request or require ID at the polls (NCSL).
  • Mail ballots: About 14 states and D.C. count ballots mailed by Election Day that arrive a few days later; the Supreme Court upheld those grace periods in June 2026. Everywhere else, your ballot must arrive by the time polls close. If time is short, use an official drop box or return it in person.
  • In line when polls close? Stay in line: if you're in line at closing time, you can still vote.
  • Not on the list? Ask for a provisional ballot; federal law gives you that right.

Official information for your state

Each link goes to your state's page on vote.gov, the federal government's official site, which links to your state's election office.

If something goes wrong

Watch out for misinformation

  • You can't vote by text message, phone call or social media.
  • The election date doesn't change. Be wary of messages that say otherwise or ask for personal information.
  • When in doubt, check your state's or county's official site. More tips in getting reliable news.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 election?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Most states also let you vote early in person or by mail; deadlines vary by state.

Can I register and vote on the same day?

In 25 states and the District of Columbia, yes, though some allow it only during early voting (NCSL). Elsewhere the registration deadline has passed; check vote.gov.

Do I need ID to vote?

It depends on your state: 36 states request or require identification at the polls (NCSL). Check what your state accepts before you go.

What if my name isn't on the list?

Ask for a provisional ballot. Federal law gives you that right, and your vote counts if your eligibility is confirmed afterward.

Sources

Accessibility options

These settings are saved in this browser only.

Text size
Display
Reading

Every chart also has a data table. See our accessibility statement.

Ad changes apply from the next page you open.