The League of Women Voters shares five essential early voting tips for the 2026 midterm elections, helping voters check registration, find voting options, and make a plan to vote before November 3.

In even-numbered years between presidential elections, Americans have the chance to make their voice heard in the midterm elections. Every single member of the House of Representatives is on the ballot during the midterm elections, along with one-third of the senators. On top of these federal offices, tens of thousands of statewide, state legislative, and local offices and ballot measures are up for election

The Voting Rights Act (VRA) is one of the most significant pieces of legislation in our nation’s history. It cleared the way for Black, brown, Asian American, and Native Voters to vote free from discrimination and established several protective provisions that were originally set to expire in 1970. 

Yet, as voting discrimination continued, the government recognized the necessity of extending its once-temporary provisions. Ten years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the law was reauthorized for both the purposes of extension and a new provision ending literacy tests.  

Governor Gavin Newsom signed 43 of the 46 League-supported bills that made it through the California Legislature this session.