Everything You Need to Know About the Midterm Elections
What are midterms, why do they matter, and what exactly you should expect.
Updated: March 23, 2026
2026 is a big year. And not just because of the Olympics! 2026 is a midterm election year, and every vote counts! In a recent civic engagement poll, many young people said they planned to take part in the upcoming elections. However, a portion still didn’t realize there was an election this year, which shows why midterms need more buzz and attention.
While critical to our democracy, midterm elections often don’t receive all the buzz and media attention that surrounds a presidential election. This guide equips you with the tools and resources needed to strengthen your civic engagement muscle in 2026.
What are midterm elections?
Great question! As the name implies, midterms happen in the middle. Midterms, or midterm elections, take place two years into a President’s four-year term.
We are in the midst of the midterm primary election season. Primary elections — which take place in the spring and summer leading up to general elections — determine which candidates will represent each political party on the ballot. These primary elections begin as early as March 3, 2026 and run through late summer and early fall, with dates varying by state.
The general election during the midterm cycle is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November: this year on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
When are the primary dates?
Primary elections — which take place in the spring and summer leading up to the general election — determine which candidates will represent each political party on the ballot. Dates vary by state.
Here’s how the 2026 primary calendar shapes up:
March 3–Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas
March 10–Mississippi
March 17–Illinois
May 5–Indiana, Ohio
May 12–Nebraska, West Virginia
May 19–Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, Pennsylvania
June 2–California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota
June 9–Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina
June 16–District of Columbia, Oklahoma, Virginia
June 23–Maryland, New York, Utah
June 30–Colorado
August 1–Guam, Virgin Islands
August 4–Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Washington
August 6–Tennessee
August 8–Hawaii
August 11–Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin
August 18–Alaska, Florida, Wyoming
September 1–Massachusetts
September 8–New Hampshire, Rhode Island
September 15–Delaware
November 3–Louisiana
Primary Runoff Elections (if required)
Some states hold runoff elections if no candidate receives the required percentage of votes:
March 31 – Arkansas
April 7 – Mississippi
May 12 – North Carolina
May 26 – Texas
May 30 – Louisiana
June 16 – Alabama, Georgia
June 23 – South Carolina
August 25 – Oklahoma
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Who and what is on the ballot?
Midterm elections are crucial for electing representatives for Congress, as well as state and local governments.
Congress is composed of two bodies: the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 senators; the House has 435 representatives. Senators serve six-year terms and representatives serve two-year terms.
In 2026:
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election.
35 of the 100 Senate seats are up for election (33 regular Class II seats plus 2 special elections).
State governors, attorneys general, and many legislative seats are also on ballots in many states — about 39 gubernatorial elections including 36 states and 3 territories.
So in addition to Congress, many statewide and local offices and ballot measures will vary by location.
Why do midterms matter?
We get it. Midterm elections don’t feel as “flashy” as presidential elections. But trust us — they are just as important. Midterm elections allow citizens to vote on the issues and leaders that matter most. By using your vote during a midterm election, you can help shape the makeup of Congress and state governments, influencing policies and budgets for years to come.
The results can change which party controls the House and Senate, which affects which bills become laws and how federal agencies operate. Midterms also often influence state policy on things like education, health care, and voting rules.
How do you prepare for midterm elections?
↪ Register to vote
If you haven’t already, now is the time to register. Check your registration status and register before your state’s deadline — many are in October 2026, but some states allow same-day registration.
↪ Make a voting plan
Decide whether you’ll vote in person, by mail, or during early voting (which in many states begins in mid-October 2026).
If voting by mail, request and return your absentee ballot with time to spare.
Locate your polling place and know what identification you may need.
↪ Know what’s on your ballot
Before casting a vote, research your races and ballot measures. Look up candidates’ platforms, watch debates or forums, and review nonpartisan voter guides to understand who and what you’re voting on.
The general election for the 2026 midterms will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Check your state election website for the specific date where you live.
Why your voice matters.
Using your vote during the midterm elections means you help choose officials who represent your views on issues like student debt, climate change, reproductive rights, and more. Midterms set the stage for how the next two years of governance will unfold — and they help shape the political landscape going into the next presidential election.
Let’s Do This!
As we approach the 2026 midterms, keep this in mind: Every voice — and every vote — matters. And together, our votes have the collective power to demand that our democracy works for all!
What are you waiting for? Get out there and stretch that civic muscle!
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Take action to make a difference in your community today