Election Day 2026: What To Know Before You Head To The Polls

Election Day is Tuesday (November 3), and voters across the country will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections.

Before heading out, it’s important to know where to vote, what identification you may need and what to do if you encounter a problem at the polls.Here is a checklist of what to know before going to vote.

Election Day Voting Checklist

1. Check Your Registration And Polling Location

• Confirm your voter registration status and assigned polling location through your state or local election office
• Visit USA.gov to find your state's election website and locate your assigned polling place.
• Double-check your polling location even if you have voted at the same place in previous elections. Locations can change.
• Check when polls open and close in your area. Hours vary.
• The Black Voters Matter Voter Toolbox also offers tools to check voter registration and locate polling places.
• If you discover a registraion problem, contat your election office immediately to learn what options are available. Some states allow Elecion Day registraion; some do not.

2. Check Your State's Voter ID Requirements

Voter identification requirements vary by state. Some states require photo identification, while others accept non-photo identification or provide alternative ways to verify a voter's identity.

• Check your state's requirements through USA.gov's voter ID guide.
• Confirm which forms of identification are accepted, including driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards or other approved documents.
• Find out what alternatives are available if you do not have the required identification.
• Review the NAACP Legal Defense Fund's 2026 election resources for additional information about voting rights and state-specific requirements.

3. Review Your Sample Ballot

Midterm ballots can include much more than congressional races. Depending on where you live, voters may also decide state and local contests, judicial races and ballot measures.

• Visit VOTE411 to find personalized ballot information and candidate guides.
• Check your state or county election website for your official sample ballot.
• Review the candidates, ballot initiatives and local races that will appear on your ballot.
• Research candidates' records and positions before Election Day.
• Write down your selections or print a copy of your sample ballot to bring with you. (Check your state’s rules about bringing written notes or sample ballots into the voting booth.)
• The NAACP's Power Your Vote campaign also offers voter guides and ballot resources to help voters prepare.

4. Know What To Do If You Encounter a Voting Problem

If your name is missing from the voter registration list, you are turned away from the polls or you encounter another voting problem, organizations are available to help.

• Ask a poll worker to check your registration information and explain your options.
• If your name is missing from the voter rolls or your eligibility is questioned, ask a poll worker about casting a provisional ballot. Whether that ballot is counted will depend on your eligibility and applicable state rules.
• Contact the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for assistance.
• You can also report voting incidents through the NAACP's Power Your Vote campaign.
• Document what happened, including the polling location, time and details of the incident, if you can do so safely.

If the polls close while you're still in line, stay in line. Voters who are already in line by the official closing time generally have the right to cast their ballots.

Election Protection Hotline Numbers

Voters who encounter problems at the polls can contact Election Protection for nonpartisan assistance.

• 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683): English-language assistance.
• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682): Spanish-language assistance.
• 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287): Arabic-language assistance.
• 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683): Asian-language assistance.

Voters can call or text 866-OUR-VOTE to connect with trained volunteers who can answer questions about voting procedures and help address problems.

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