It’s almost time again. The 2026 midterm elections are less than two months away, and on Tuesday, November 3rd, voters across the country will decide who holds power in Congress, in governors’ mansions, and in thousands of local offices. My mailbox, inbox, and social media feeds are already overflowing with campaign ads, attack pieces, and urgent donation requests. But before we get lost in the noise, let’s take a breath and make sure we’re actually ready to vote.
Step One: Check Your Registration
The single most important thing you can do right now is make sure you’re registered to vote. Every state has a website where you can quickly check your status. Don’t assume you’re still on the rolls just because you voted in the past. States regularly “clean up” their voter lists by removing inactive voters, people who’ve moved, or those who’ve passed away. That sounds fine in theory, but in practice it means that if you skipped a couple of elections, you could find yourself unexpectedly dropped. Take two minutes and confirm your registration today.
Step Two: Know What You Need to Bring
Voting laws vary by state, and some states require ID or other documents to prove your identity. Don’t wait until Election Day to figure this out—check your state’s requirements now so you’re not caught off guard.
Step Three: Vote Early if You Can
Early voting is one of the best tools we have to make Election Day run smoothly. Lines can be long, especially in swing districts or urban centers. When I worked as a poll worker in Maryland during the 2020 election, I saw lines snake out the door during peak times. Voting early not only saves you stress but ensures that your voice is heard even if something comes up on Election Day.
Step Four: Do Your Homework on the Ballot
The midterms aren’t just about Congress. In fact, the local and state elections on your ballot might have a bigger impact on your daily life. School boards can raise or lower property taxes. State legislatures set rules on healthcare access, labor rights, and reproductive freedom. And right now, with a Supreme Court that’s consistently handing more power back to the states, your local government matters more than ever.
In 2026, nearly everything is on the ballot:
- All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats (including Iowa’s, since Senator Joni Ernst is retiring).
- 39 governors’ races, plus attorneys general, secretaries of state, and state supreme court justices.
- Critical ballot measures that will shape taxes, schools, healthcare, and more in your community.
Here in Michigan, for example, Senator Gary Peters (D) is not running for reelection, which means his Senate seat is wide open. On top of that, we’re voting on governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and supreme court justices—all while new legislative maps are in play after court rulings. It’s a huge ballot, and every single vote matters.
The Stakes in 2026
Nationally, both parties are treating this midterm as a fight for the future. Republicans are leaning into aggressive redistricting in states like Texas and Missouri, while Democrats are trying to counterbalance in places like New York and California. The “midterm curse” usually hurts the president’s party, but polling is all over the place. Some analysts predict Republicans will hold or expand their power, while others see the potential for a Democratic surge if turnout spikes.
No matter where you fall politically, one thing is clear: this midterm isn’t just about who sits in Washington—it’s about who controls your statehouse, your school board, and even your local tax rates.
Make a Plan
So here’s the Sexy Politico call to action:
- Check your registration.
- Know your state’s voting rules.
- Look up your ballot ahead of time.
- Vote early if you can.
Democracy isn’t just about showing up every four years for a presidential election. It’s about being engaged, informed, and ready to vote—even when the ballot is long and the races feel “local.” Because at the end of the day, those local races might shape your life more than the one at the top of the ticket.
