Policy Explainer: What's Actually on Your Ballot

In 30 days, you'll hold a ballot that decides far more than most people realize. Here's what's on it.

The U.S. House

All 435 seats are up for election. The House writes federal spending bills, holds hearings, and can investigate those in power. Every seat decides whether the White House has a check on it.

The U.S. Senate

About a third of the Senate is on the ballot. Senators confirm federal judges for life and vote on every major law that comes through Congress.

Governors

36 states are choosing governors. They sign or veto bills, run state agencies, and set state budgets.

State Legislatures

Most states are electing lawmakers. These are the people who draw district maps, set voting rules, fund schools, and write laws on health care, guns, and abortion. A lot of what changes your daily life starts here.

Local Races and Ballot Measures

Judges, sheriffs, district attorneys, school boards, and city councils. They help decide who gets charged, how your kids are taught, and how your town spends its money. Many states also put ballot measures straight in front of voters.

Midterms bring lower turnout than presidential years. That means every vote carries more weight, and every race on the ballot is a chance to use it.

Look up your full ballot at Register to vote in your state | Vote.gov . Then check out LLV's Congressional Candidate Dashboard to see the battleground House races across ten pivotal states: 2026 Congressional Candidate Dashboard — Leading Ladies

Our vote is our power. Use all of it, down to the last line.