PRINT: The 2026 midterm elections draw near; here's what you need to know

The 2026 midterm elections are set for Nov. 3, marking the halfway point of President Donald Trump’s second term. With campaign materials and “I voted” stickers expected within two weeks, the contests will put shades of red and blue into focus while determining how Congress and local governments operate over the next two years. A 2014 Pew Research Center analysis found midterms typically see lower turnout than presidential years, a trend still reflected in Kentucky’s numbers: 41.9% of registered voters turned out in 2022 versus 58.8% in the 2024 presidential election. The article explains voting options and dates, including Kentucky’s Oct. 5 voter registration deadline and absentee requests due before Oct. 20.