Understanding the 2026 Elections
By: Deborah Dietz
What’s happening and why it matters
At Disability Independence Group (DIG), voting will be a major focus for us in 2026. Voting is one of the most important ways people take part in their community. It helps shape the laws, services, and programs that affect the daily lives of people with disabilities and their families.
To begin this year-long focus, let’s start with the basics: what the 2026 elections are and why they matter.
What Is Happening in 2026?
The 2026 elections will take place in November 2026. These elections are called midterm elections because they happen halfway through the President’s four-year term.
Even though the President is not on the ballot in 2026, these elections are extremely important. They decide who will help run the country, the states, and our local communities.
What Offices Are Being Elected?
Voters across the country will help choose leaders at different levels of government.
At the federal level, voters will elect:
- All members of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Some members of the U.S. Senate
At the state level, voters may elect:
- Governors
- State legislators
- Attorneys General and other state leaders
At the local level, voters may elect:
- Mayors
- City council members
- School board members
- Judges
Not every office is up for election in every state, but every voter will have important choices to make.
You can find out what will be on your ballot by visiting your local Supervisor of Elections website or going to Vote411.org.
Why the House and Senate Races Matter So Much
In recent years, control of the U.S. House and Senate has often been decided by just a few seats, and sometimes by very small numbers of votes.
This means:
- A small number of votes can change which party controls Congress
- Close races can decide which laws are passed or blocked
- Important issues like healthcare, disability rights, housing, and education are affected by these results
******When elections are close, every vote truly matters******
How Federal, State, and Local Elections Work Together
One important thing to know is that federal, state, and local elections usually happen on the same day.
So when you vote in 2026, you are helping choose leaders at every level of government at the same time.
Each level of government affects different parts of daily life:
- The federal government affects Social Security, Medicare, civil rights, and disability laws
- The state government affects Medicaid, education, transportation, and elections
- The local government affects schools, police, public transportation, and community services
Why the 2026 Elections Matter for Daily Life
The leaders elected in 2026 will make decisions that directly affect:
- Healthcare and services
- Housing and transportation
- Employment opportunities
- Accessibility and inclusion in the community
These are real issues that impact everyday things like healthcare, housing, transportation, and job opportunities.
DIG’s Focus on Voting in 2026
Throughout 2026, DIG will share clear, helpful information about:
- Who can vote and how to register
- How to vote accessibly
- Why local, state, and federal elections matter
Voting matters because it allows people with disabilities to help shape the laws, programs, and services that affect their rights and independence, and to help decide what kind of communities we live in and which issues our leaders focus on.
