How to check if you’re still registered to vote before the US midterm elections 2026: Start with Vote.gov and your state’s site

Not sure if you are still registered to vote? It’s worth double-checking before the 2026 midterm elections, especially if you’ve moved or changed your name since you last registered.

The first place to go is Vote.gov. Select your state or territory to be directed to the appropriate election website. That is where you can check your registration status and find out how to update your information if something has changed.

Where to check your voter registration

Start at Vote.gov and select your state or territory. The site directs voters to their state election website, where registration status and other voter information can be checked.


The U.S. Election Assistance Commission says every state has its own rules for checking voter registration. In most cases, voters can check online or contact their local election office. The commission also recommends making sure registration information is current and accurate, particularly after moving or changing your name.

Make sure your name and address are correct

Once you find your voter record, look over the details rather than simply checking whether your name appears.

Vote.gov advises voters to make sure they are registered under their correct legal name and address. If either has changed, the registration may need to be updated according to the rules in your state.

USAGov also directs voters who have moved or changed their name to update their voter registration and follow the procedures set by their state.

What does an inactive voter registration mean

Your registration may not always appear as simply “active.” Some records can be listed as “inactive.”

Vote.gov says a registration may be marked inactive when a voter has not voted in at least two federal elections and did not respond when election officials tried to contact them.

If you see an inactive status, contact your state or local election office to find out what it means for your registration.

Why you need to check your state’s election website

There is no single registration process that applies across the country. States and territories set their own election procedures, including how voters can check or update their registration.

The Election Assistance Commission provides state-by-state election information, including links to election offices, voter registration information and registration-status tools. It recommends verifying the details with the relevant state or local election office because registration information and deadlines can change.

Check the registration deadline, too

Your state’s registration deadline is another detail to check before the election.

USAGov says every state has its own voter registration deadline. In some states, the deadline can be as much as a month before an election, while some states allow people to register on Election Day. The applicable deadline can be checked through Vote.gov or the state or territory election office.

If you want to confirm your status before the 2026 midterms, you do not need to start by figuring out which election office to contact. Go to Vote.gov, choose your state or territory and follow the link to its election website. From there, you can check your record and see what your state requires if your information needs to be updated.