How to find out what’s on your ballot in the US midterm elections and see which House and Senate races you can vote in

2026 US midterm elections: Getting ready to vote in an election is more than just knowing the candidates running for national office. Voters also will face state and local contests, judicial elections and ballot measures, depending on where they live.Reviewing a sample ballot before Election Day can help voters learn which races are applicable to them and review their choices before going to the polls.

Voters can check their registration and find their sample ballots and the congressional and other races for which they are eligible to vote in the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026, on official election websites.

How to Locate Your Sample Ballot

A sample ballot shows the contests and candidates that will be on the ballot based on a voter's registered address.It's a handy reference for anyone wanting to review the options before voting.

Sample ballots are usually provided by state, county or municipal election offices (not the federal government). Depending on the state, voters may be able to see them online, download a copy or obtain election details by mail.

One way to start is through Vote.gov, the official federal voter information website. Choose your state to find links to its election resources and registration services. From there, look for a voter lookup tool, a My Voter Page or a Voter Information Portal, and follow the instructions to enter your address.

You can also find state election office information via USA.gov.

What Will Appear on Your Ballot?

The contents of a ballot depend on the voter's place and the offices set for election. A sample ballot lists the contests relevant to the voter's precinct, generally in the order they appear on the actual ballot.

Voters might see all sorts of contests, like: For the 2026 midterm elections,

• United States House of Representatives Voters elect a representative for their congressional district .
• USSenate Senate elections will be held in states with Senate seats that are up for election in 2026.
• StStatewide offices: This could include governor, attorney general or secretary of state, depending on the state’s election calendar.
• State legislative races: Voters may choose representatives to their state house or state senate.
• Local offices: County officials, city officials, school board members and other local officials may be running.
• Jujudicial retention questions: Some states include judicial retention questions or similar ballots.
• Ballot measures: State, county or city proposals may ask voters to approve or reject certain measures.

Not each voter will see all these contests. The available races depend on the state, district, county and municipality connected with the voter's registered address.

Understanding Your US House and Senate Races

Congressional elections are a significant part of the midterm election process. The US House of Representatives has 435 voting seats, and House elections take place in the country in 2026.

Senate elections follow a varied schedule. Reportedly, 35 states have a US Senate race in 2026. Whether a Senate contest appears on your ballot depends on your state.

It is also important to understand that congressional districts and state legislative districts have different boundaries. A congressional district determines which US House race a voter participates in, while state legislative districts find representation in the state legislature.

Also Read: How to register to vote for the US midterm elections: Check your state's deadline and apply online or by mail

Why Checking Your Ballot Matters

The US midterm elections include more than the nationally prominent House and Senate races. Depending on where they reside, voters may also choose state legislative contests, local offices, judicial questions and ballot measures.

A voter can review a sample ballot before November 3, 2026, to see which races apply to their address and to identify the different levels of government represented on the ballot.

Voters can get ready to vote in elections they’re eligible to participate in by reviewing official election resources, confirming registration, and reviewing a voter guide where available.

Source: What District Am I In? and USA.gov