2026 Midterm Elections: What Voters Should Know
A practical guide to Congress, voting rules and election information
What to know
The United States holds congressional elections every two years. In the 2026 midterms, voters elect all members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate seats scheduled for that election cycle. State and local offices may also appear on the ballot, depending on where a voter lives.
Control of Congress can affect legislation, spending priorities, oversight and confirmation processes. But an election’s outcome should never be assumed before votes are counted and results are certified. Polls are estimates, not election results.
Voting registration deadlines, early-voting rules, identification requirements and polling locations vary by state. Texans should consult the Texas Secretary of State and their county election office for the rules and dates that apply to them.