In the 2026 midterms, voters in 50 states and the District of Columbia will determine critical federal, state, and local elections. All 435 U.S. House seats and 35 Senate seats will be on the ballot, with the power to pass laws and shape decisions about our communities, our environment, and the future of our planet.
The health of our planet, people, and democracy go hand in hand because our nation’s biggest environmental challenges require political solutions. Every elected official on the ballot plays a crucial role in shaping decisions that affect our everyday lives.
Your vote is your voice, and our freedom to vote enables us to work toward a more sustainable future for all. To make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard on (or before!) November 3rd here’s what you can do right now:
1. Register to vote (or check your current registration)
The first step everyone must take in getting ready to cast your ballot this fall isregistering to voteorchecking and updatingyour voter registration. Depending on where you live, you can either register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your local election office. Many states even offer same-day voter registration and allow voters to register during early voting periods or on Election Day.
If you’re thinking about skipping this step because you think you’re already registered – think again. There are plenty of reasons to double-check your registration, including:
If you recently moved or your address has changed
If you legally changed your name
If you just became a U.S. citizen
If you had your voting rights restored
If you haven’t voted in a couple of years
If you have 3 minutes to spare and you plan on voting in this election
2. Learn the voting options in your state, from where to vote to how to vote early
States have varying options for how, when, and where you can cast your ballot, so check your state’s voting methods and choose the one that works best for you. Depending on where you live, your options may include:
We highly encourage you to vote early if you’re able to. We know that life gets busy, plans can change, and unexpected things can come up. Voting early gives you more flexibility to help ensure you have time to make your voice heard!
3. Learn what’s on your ballot
We’re not just voting for Congress this November. There are also elections for governors, state legislatures, judges, ballot measures, and other local and state offices happening across the country that have a HUGE impact on your everyday life. To put it lightly — there is a lot at stake.
Find out what’s on your ballot, and take some time to learn about the candidates and issues. Voting isn’t supposed to be a pop quiz! Knowing what’s at stake ahead of time ensures you’re prepared when it comes time to vote.
4. Share your voting plan with your friends and family
After you’ve made sure you’re registered, learned what’s on your ballot, and decided how you’ll cast your vote, it’s time to share your voting plan with your friends and family. Make sure they know key details like registration deadlines, upcoming elections in their area, when and where to vote, and what they need to bring to the polls. You can even encourage them to sign up for election reminders, so they don’t miss any important updates or deadlines.
People are more likely to vote when they’re asked by someone they know. So, round up your friends, grab a coffee (or a matcha), and make your voices heard together.
5. Know your rights as a voter
Whether you’re voting early, in person, or by mail, it’s important to know your rights as a voter. Every voter has the right to make their voice heard without experiencing barriers or intimidation.
If you’re voting in person and find yourself waiting in a long line when the polls close, don’t leave—stay in line. As long as you’re in line at your polling location before the official closing time, you have the right to vote. If for some reason you’re told you can’t cast a ballot, request a provisional ballot to ensure your vote is counted and make sure you’re told how you can verify your eligibility.
844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic language hotline
American Sign Language video call number: 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683)
Our democracy works best when every voter participates. Casting your ballot means shaping the future of our planet, our democracy, and our communities for generations to come. Make your plan to vote in the 2026 midterm elections TODAY at www.lcv.org/vote!
