Key Early Voting Dates and Registration Deadlines for the 2026 Midterms

As the 2026 midterm elections draw near, every state has announced its own early-voting period and voter-registration deadline. While states like Alaska and Oregon allow any resident to vote absentee without an excuse, others such as Alabama and Mississippi limit early voting to qualified absentee voters only. Registration cut-offs vary widely, with some states requiring online or mail registration by early October and others accepting in-person registration up to the day before the election.

Early-voting windows also differ, spanning from late September in Illinois and Virginia to late October in Florida and Texas. Voters should consult their county election offices for precise dates and procedures, especially where early voting periods are set by county. The timeline includes mail-ballot deadlines, drop-box availability, and provisions for same-day registration where offered.