US midterm elections 2026 : The US midterm elections this year are scheduled for November 3, when voters will go to the polls to elect members of Congress along with state and local officials depending on where they live. Held halfway between presidential elections, the midterms play a regular part in the US election cycle.
When Is the 2026 US Midterm Election
The Federal Election Commission lists November 3, 2026, as the next regularly scheduled federal general election date. The FEC also says elections are primarily governed by state law and administered at the state and local level.
What Are the 2026 Midterm Elections Explained
Every two years, there are congressional elections. According to USA.gov, in every two year period there are congressional elections for all members of the House of Representatives and one third of the Senators.
Members of the House of Representatives have two year terms of office while Senators have six year terms of office.
Who Will Be on the Ballot
All 435 seats in the US House of Representatives are up for election in 2026. A different third of the Senate seats is also up for election during the cycle.
The 2026 ballot can also include state and local elections, depending on the jurisdiction. USA.gov directs voters to their state for information on election dates and voting procedures.
The FEC says ballot access is controlled by each state under state law, including for federal elections.
When Are the Primary Elections
Primary election dates and procedures vary by state.
The FEC's 2026 congressional primary schedule lists different dates across the states. The commission says the dates are subject to change and that each state is responsible for establishing its own primary and, where applicable, runoff dates.
The FEC schedule also shows that runoff elections are held in some states.
What Do Voters Need to Know About Registration
Voter registration deadlines vary by state. USA.gov provides state-specific information on voter registration deadlines, general elections, early voting and absentee voting. The site directs voters to select their state to find the applicable dates and rules.
That means there is no single nationwide deadline covering every registration and voting procedure.
Why State Rules Matter
The FEC says elections are primarily governed by state law and administered at the state and local level. It also says each state establishes its own primary and runoff dates and that ballot access is controlled by state law.
USA.gov similarly directs voters to state-specific information for when they can vote in person or by absentee ballot and for voter registration deadlines.
The Key Date for the 2026 Midterms
The key federal election date is Tuesday, November 3, when all 435 House seats will be up for election, while a different third of the Senate seats will be up for election as part of the regular two-year congressional election cycle. State and local election dates and voting procedures vary by jurisdiction.
