US Midterm Elections 2026

US Midterm Elections 2026 at a Glance

*Registration, ID rules, early voting and deadlines are set by each state. Always confirm with your state election office via Vote.gov.

US Midterm Elections 2026: Latest News and Updates

With Election Day just over a week away, attention has turned to turnout, early voting, mail ballots and a small group of competitive races. Recent developments reported by major outlets include Supreme Court rulings on mail-ballot deadlines and congressional maps, a Supreme Court order letting the Department of Homeland Security share citizenship verification with states, and a Supreme Court decision declining to allow new federal Postal Service mail-ballot rules before the election. Election officials also cite voter hesitancy over mail ballots, redistricting and citizenship verification as key concerns.

Midterm Polls and Forecasts: What They Show

Polling averages in the last week of October showed Democrats ahead on the generic congressional ballot by roughly 5 to 9 points, depending on the tracker, with presidential approval averages in the high 30s. Cook Political Report rated Democrats favoured in enough House seats for a majority, with about 17 genuine toss-ups, and Fox News Power Rankings showed the Senate as a toss-up. Forecast models published this month gave Democrats roughly an 88–92% chance of winning the House and a 57–66% chance in the Senate.

Republicans and some analysts argue the picture is less certain: the House map has fewer competitive seats after redistricting, the Senate map offers GOP defensive and offensive opportunities, party strategists point to fundraising and candidate quality, and some Republicans say polls may misjudge sentiment. Historically, polls have not consistently favoured either party in midterms, and the president's party has typically lost House seats.

US Election Candidates 2026: Key Races to Watch

Verify candidates for your own ballot at official sources such as your state election office, the Federal Election Commission and Ballotpedia. Races frequently named by news outlets include these.

Compare candidates by reading their official platforms, voting records and non-partisan voter guides before you vote.

How to Register to Vote in the USA

Where and How to Vote

Use USA.gov and your state or county election office to find your polling place, early voting sites and sample ballot. Voting options include in-person on 3 November, early voting where offered, and mail or absentee ballots where allowed. If your name is missing from the list, ask for a provisional ballot. Mail ballots should go out at least a week before your state's deadline, and many states offer ballot tracking. Photo ID, non-photo ID or no ID may be required depending on your state, and some states have changed rules since 2022.

Voting Rules, Mail Ballots and Court Rulings

On 29 June 2026 the Supreme Court allowed states to keep accepting mail ballots postmarked by Election Day, and it later declined to let new federal Postal Service mail-ballot rules take effect before the election. It also allowed DHS to provide citizenship verification to states through the SAVE database, over dissent from three justices, and finalised the congressional maps in use. Supporters of tighter rules, including House Republicans backing voter ID and proof-of-citizenship proposals, say they protect election integrity. Critics, including voting-rights groups, say some measures could burden eligible voters. States run elections, so check your own state's rules.

What Happens If the President's Party Loses the Midterms?

Major Issues Voters Are Weighing in 2026

Reuters and other outlets report that the cost of living, healthcare, fuel prices, immigration, tariffs and trade, voting rules and redistricting are among the main themes. Foreign policy is also in the debate, including the US-Israeli conflict with Iran that began in late February 2026 and reports of further planning after the election. Democrats generally campaign on affordability and healthcare, while Republicans emphasise their record on the economy, immigration and security. Both parties are courting voters on these topics.

How to Vote from Abroad in the US Midterms

Americans anywhere in the world can vote absentee in federal elections. File the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) free at FVAP.gov to register and request your ballot, ask for email delivery where available, and return the ballot before your state's deadline. States were required to send overseas ballots by 19 September 2026, and many allow electronic return. If your ballot has not arrived, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) from FVAP.gov. Deadlines and return methods vary by state, and some registration and request deadlines fall in the final days before 3 November, so act immediately. Non-US citizens, including UK passport holders, cannot vote in these elections.

Fly to the USA for the US Midterm Elections

You do not need to fly to vote: overseas absentee voting is available, and travelling home is entirely optional. If you do plan a USA trip around 3 November, whether to see family, vote in person where you are registered, or visit during election season, book early because flights and hotels in major cities can be busier. Most UK visitors need an approved ESTA or visa before flying, and visitors cannot vote. Compare flights to the USA from the UK, plus New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. See also UK to USA flights, cheap flights to the USA, best airlines to the USA, USA travel guide and travel disruption guide.

US Election Results 2026: How to Follow Them

Results are not yet available. Many races are called on election night, but close contests and mail ballots can take days, and certification follows each state's deadlines. Use your state election website and the Associated Press for official and verified calls, and treat unverified claims with caution. This page will be updated after results are confirmed.