Voting Center Hub: Midterms 2026

Some states have passed restrictive ID requirements. To learn what is required where you live, you can navigate to your state’s elections authority here. Make sure to bring one of the qualifying types of ID for which the name and address match your voter registration information. If necessary, update your voter registration information by the deadline. If you think you may have difficulty voting because of your ID, appearance, or other factors, you can make use of early or mail voting options if your state allows it.

Individuals may be registered to vote under a different name than the name they regularly use or that is on their ID. If you think you may have difficulty voting because of your ID, appearance, or other factors, you can make use of early or mail voting options if your state allows it.

Remember, gender discrepancies on your ID are not a valid reason to deny a ballot. You are allowed to vote with a gender identity or expression that doesn't match the one on your ID. Voters may look different from the appearance on their ID for many reasons. If you think you may have difficulty voting because of your ID, appearance, or other factors, you can make use of early or mail voting options if your state allows it.

If you are not allowed to vote, look for a volunteer attorney at the polling place who may be there assisting voters who are being told they cannot vote. If no one is around, call the National Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for help. If you are still not allowed to vote, you should request a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot works just like a regular ballot but may need additional processes to ensure the voter’s information is verified and that the vote is counted.

Make sure you ask for and follow any instructions (which may involve following up to prove your identity immediately after the election). If you cast a provisional ballot, call the National Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), which can help you make sure your ballot is counted.

There is no difference between mail-in ballots and absentee ballots. While states differ in the terms they use to describe voting by mail, the premise is the same: Many states offer voters the ability to choose and plan their method of voting. The rules and deadlines governing how a voter may request and submit a ballot differ from state to state.

The earlier you send in your request for a mail ballot, the more time that election offices have to prepare and make sure that everyone who wants to vote by mail will be able to. If for some reason you request your ballot and do not receive it, you can still vote early at a polling location to avoid crowds or vote on Election Day.

Voters may only register to vote in the state they consider their primary residence. Whether that residence is their address while in college or their address when school is not in session is the student’s choice. College students can list their addresses while in college, including dorm addresses if applicable, at the time of registration.

Uncertainties like long lines are a factor to consider when making a plan to vote. Voters are encouraged to vote early by mail or in-person to ensure their vote is counted. In person election day voters should stay in line even when the polls close. As long as the voter is in line when polls close, they should be allowed to vote.

Voters experiencing homelessness are able to register and vote in every state. The National Coalition for the Homeless recommends that registrants list a shelter address as their voting address where they could receive mail. Alternatively, homeless registrants may list a street corner or a park as their residence, in lieu of a traditional home address. The federal voter registration form and many state forms provide a space for this purpose.

While states differ in policy, in many cases, states restore voting rights at the end of a person’s incarceration. Previously incarcerated individuals are encouraged to learn more about their voting rights by contacting their state’s election authority.

❑ Does your state allow early voting?

❑ When are you voting? 

❑ Where are you voting? 

❑ How will you get to your polling place? 

❑ How long is the expected time to wait in line to vote

❑ Who are you voting with? 

❑ Who and what are you voting for? 

Sample ballots are available on Ballotpedia or BallotReady or Vote.org https://www.vote.org/ballot-information/.

Research Candidates, Platforms, & Referendums: Once you have your sample ballot, research each candidate and find where they align with your values and vision for the future.

❑ Photo Identification 

❑ Voter Registration Card (just to be safe) 

❑ Sample Ballot & Notes on Candidates/Referendums 

❑ Accessibility Tools 

❑ Friends & Family! (make it a group activity)

States have different rules on what they allow in polling places related to “electioneering” or campaign shirts, buttons, pamphlets, etc. 

See the rules for your state here - https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/electioneeringprohibitions. 

Requiring specific forms of identification that may be difficult for some individuals to obtain, such as government-issued photo IDs, can disenfranchise voters who do not have easy access to these documents.

Removing eligible voters from voter rolls based on criteria such as inactivity, change of address, or other factors can result in individuals being unable to cast their ballots on Election Day.

Closing polling places or limiting their hours can make it harder for voters, particularly in marginalized communities, to access polling sites and cast their votes.

Imposing strict registration requirements or deadlines can prevent eligible voters from registering or updating their voter information in time for elections.

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group can dilute the voting power of certain communities and distort the representation of voters.

Tactics such as voter intimidation, misinformation campaigns, or discriminatory practices at polling places can create a hostile environment that discourages individuals from exercising their right to vote.