The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and in some states, voters are already casting ballots.
Forty-seven states and Washington, DC, offer some form of early voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, though the rules, locations and timelines vary depending on where you live. Most states begin early voting in October, while Virginia has already opened polling sites.
With Election Day on Nov. 3 just six weeks away, here’s what you need to know about when and where you can vote early in your state.
2026 midterm elections: These races will decide whether Democrats or Republicans win House control
When are midterm elections?
Voters cast their ballots inside the Arlington County Courthouse in Arlington, Virginia, on Sept. 18, 2026, the first day of early voting in the state ahead of midterm elections.
The midterm general elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The elections will be key to determine partisan control of Congress.
All 435 districts in the House of Representatives and 33 seats in the Senate are up for election in the midterms, per Ballotpedia.
Some states will also be holding elections for offices including governor, attorney general, secretary of state and more. Local elections will be similarly taking place in some areas.
See a sample of what will be on your ballot using Ballotpedia’s sample ballot lookup tool here.
When does early voting start? See rules for your state
Early voting dates and rules vary by state. Three states – Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire – do not have early voting, per NCSL.
Search for your state’s early voting guidelines below:
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Early voting for midterm elections begins. See dates for your state
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