If you are new to the United States—or recently became a U.S. citizen—the phrase “midterm election” may sound confusing. Is it a smaller presidential election? Does the president change? Who is actually on the ballot?
The simple answer is this: a midterm election is the nationwide election held halfway through a president’s four-year term. The president is not on the ballot, but voters choose members of Congress and often many important state and local officials.
The next U.S. midterm general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
What is elected during the midterms?
Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government. It has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- All 435 voting seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are contested every two years. Each representative serves one congressional district.
- About one-third of the 100 U.S. Senate seats are contested every two years. Senators serve six-year terms, and each state has two senators.
Your ballot may also include a governor, state legislators, mayor, county officials, judges, school-board members, ballot measures, or other offices. The exact ballot is different in every state and community.
Why are they called “midterms”?
A U.S. president serves a four-year term. Congressional elections occur every two years. The congressional election held two years after a presidential election falls near the middle of the president’s term, so it is called a midterm election.
For example, the country held a presidential election in 2024. The 2026 election is the midterm. The next presidential election will be in 2028.
Does the president change in a midterm election?
No. The president and vice president are not elected in the midterms. They normally remain in office until the end of their four-year term.
However, the midterms can change which political party holds a majority in the House, the Senate, or both. This matters because Congress considers federal legislation, approves federal spending, conducts oversight, and performs other constitutional duties. The Senate also votes on many presidential nominations, including federal judges.
Who can vote?
For federal elections, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet your state’s other eligibility and registration requirements. Naturalized citizens have the same right to vote in federal elections as U.S.-born citizens.
Important for new Americans: a green card, work permit, visa, or other immigration status does not by itself make someone eligible to vote in a federal election. If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not register or vote in a federal election. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact your official state or local election office before submitting a registration form.
Rules involving age, residence, registration deadlines, identification, and eligibility after a felony conviction vary by state. Use Vote.gov to reach your state’s official election website.
Primary election versus general election
Before the November general election, political parties usually hold primary elections to choose their nominees. Primary rules differ by state. In some states, you may need to register with a political party to vote in that party’s primary.
In the general election, voters choose among the candidates who qualified for the ballot. You may vote for any candidate on your ballot regardless of your party registration. You are not required to vote for every office or question for the rest of your ballot to count.
How do I prepare to vote?
- Confirm that you are eligible. Federal elections are for eligible U.S. citizens.
- Register or check your registration. Deadlines and procedures vary. If you moved or changed your name, update your record.
- Review your official sample ballot. Your state or local election office can show the candidates and questions that will appear.
- Learn your voting options. Depending on your state, these may include Election Day voting, early in-person voting, or voting by mail.
- Check voter-identification rules. Requirements are set by each state.
- Know the deadlines. Registration, mail-ballot requests, ballot returns, and early voting have different deadlines.
- Use trusted sources. Rely on your state or local election office for polling locations, hours, ballot status, and final rules.
What happens after the polls close?
News organizations may project winners, but election-night totals are unofficial. Election officials continue processing eligible ballots, checking results, conducting the required canvass, and certifying the final totals under state law. The time needed differs by state and contest.
Your vote is private
Election officials keep a record that you participated, but your marked ballot is secret. Your employer, family, political party, or community cannot require you to reveal how you voted. Voting is also voluntary in the United States—you are not legally required to vote.
A simple way to remember the midterms
Presidential election: every four years, with the president on the ballot.
Midterm election: halfway through the presidential term, with every U.S. House seat, about one-third of the Senate, and many state and local offices on ballots.
For a new American, a midterm may be your first opportunity to participate in U.S. democracy as a voter. Checking your registration early, reading your sample ballot, and using official election information can make the experience straightforward and confident.
Official resources
- USAGov: Congressional and Midterm Elections
- Vote.gov: Register or Check State Voting Information
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission: Voting 101 for New Voters
- USAGov: Voting and Election Laws
- USCIS: Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
This article provides general civic information, not legal advice. Election rules can change, so always confirm current requirements with your state or local election office. Sources reviewed October 9, 2026.
