Justice Response Team Keeping You Informed
Mark Your Calendars
What’s on Your Ballot 2.0: “The 2026 Midterm Election” Webinar
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Emergency Preparedness Fair
Saturday, August 29, 2026
A Turning Point for Voting Rights: A Supreme Court Decision
April 29, 2026
Today’s Supreme Court in the case of Louisiana v. Callais, the 6-3 decision makes it harder for minority voters to challenge unfair voting maps. In the past, communities could contest maps that weakened their voting power by showing those maps had harmful effects on minority voters. Now, they must prove that lawmakers intended to discriminate based on race, which is much harder to show. This means states may have more freedom to draw districts that reduce the political influence of Black and other minority voters, with fewer legal tools available to stop it. This decision weakens one of the most important protections in the Voting Rights Act of 1965—a law passed to stop racial discrimination in elections. This decision will not affect the 2026 Midterm Election.
Voter Registration Information
Staying informed and ready to vote starts with making sure your voter registration is up to date. Whether you’ve recently moved, changed your name, or simply haven’t checked in a while, confirming your registration only takes a moment — and ensures your voice can be heard in every election. We encourage all members to verify their status today so you’re prepared when it’s time to cast your ballot. A few minutes now helps protect your participation in our democratic process.
Voter Registration Deadline May 18, 2026
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Mid-Terms 2026 - CA Election
Midterm elections play a vital role in shaping the direction of our government and the policies that affect everyday life and human rights. While they occur halfway through a presidential term, their impact is anything but minor. With key decisions taking place in the June primary election and continuing through the November general election, voters help determine who represents communities in Congress, state legislatures, and many local offices. These choices influence decisions on human rights such as education, public safety, housing, healthcare, and economic policy. Midterm elections also provide an important opportunity for voters to hold elected leaders accountable and ensure their voices are reflected in government priorities. By participating in both the June primary and the November election, voters help strengthen our democratic system and ensure that their communities’ needs and values are represented.
Many who came before us, sacrificed themselves for the right to participate in the electoral process. We strongly encourage you to participate by casting your vote on June 2, 2026.
Important Primary Election Dates
Mid-Term Elections FAQ’s
(Source: USVoteFoundation.org)
What is a Midterm Election?
Let’s start with the fact that U.S. Presidents hold office for 4-years at a stretch. This is referred to as a four year “term” in office.
A “midterm” election is therefore defined as an election that takes place halfway through the 4-year Presidential term, i.e., in the middle of the 4-year term. Hence, what is referred to as a “midterm” election. You don’t need to be a super math whiz to figure out that it is an election 2 years after the Presidential election. The midterm elections happen across all states, and they are for offices other than those of the President or Vice President.
Who Runs for Office in a Midterm Election?
In a midterm election, the composition of Congress is decided. Congress is literally on the ballot. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the seats (100) in the U.S. Senate are up for vote. The partisan composition of Congress can have a major influence on what the President can do during his or her term in office.
States will often add other races to the ballot. Your ballot might contain races for governor, state representatives, judicial, and other local offices as well. In addition, important state-specific ballot measures could be on the ballot.
What is the purpose of midterm elections?
Midterm elections are used to determine the next course of our democracy. Voters are given the opportunity to re-balance power and choose Congresspersons more closely aligned with the President’s agenda or ones positioned further from the President. Because these elections are so closely tied to the timing of the Presidential term, they are often seen as a barometer of the President’s performance.
Check back regularly for more important information and upcoming events from the Justice Response Team!
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