Electoral Action Center

WELCOME TO OUR ELECTORAL ACTION CENTER

At Black Futures Lab, we firmly believe that informed voters are empowered voters. Our Electoral Action Center is your go-to resource and home for everything you need to participate fully in the democratic process at the local, state, and national level. We’ve got you covered from up-to-date voter registration information to state-specific voting dates. 

WHAT ARE MIDTERM ELECTIONS?

Midterm elections happen every 2 years. They take place in the years when the president is not on the ballot, but leaders who make decisions about our everyday lives are.  

WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?

In midterm elections, we vote for:  

  • All U.S. House members (who write and pass federal laws budgets)  
  • Some U.S. Senators (who confirm judges, and who write and pass federal laws and budgets)  
  • Some Governors & state lawmakers (who control budgets, schools, Medicaid, and voting laws)  
  • Local offices & ballot measures (what directly affects your community)  
  • Midterms are not “off year” elections. They are power-deciding elections.  When Black voters vote, Black communities win. 

    ARE YOU PREPARED TO VOTE?

    Whether you’re registering to vote for the first time, updating your details, or just seeking the latest voting information, click the button below to access the latest resources to ensure you have everything you need to flex your power at the polls this November.

    CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS

    MIDTERM VOTER INFORMATION

    GEORGIA

    The 2026 election is an important moment for Louisiana. The decisions voters make will shape the future of our communities, our schools, our economy, and our democracy. Every vote matter, and every voice deserves to be heard.

    Black voters have the power to influence the direction of our state by participating in elections at every level. By showing up at the polls, voters can help elect leaders who are responsive to their communities, invest in opportunity, and work to ensure that all Louisianans have a fair chance to succeed.

     

    WHAT IS A RUNOFF ELECTION?

    Runoff elections happen when no candidate receives more than 50% plus 1 of the votes in the election. Runoffs give voters another chance to decide who will best represent their community and ensure the winner has broader voter support.

     

    KEY GEORGIA ELECTION DATES

    General Election:

    • Early Voting: October 13 – October 30, 2026
    • Last Day to Vote by Mail: October 23, 2026
    • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

    GEORGIA VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS

    If you are voting in person in Georgia, you will need to show a valid photo ID when you vote. You do not need to bring your voter registration card.

    What ID Can I Use?

    You can use one of these forms of photo ID:

    • A Georgia driver’s license, even if it is expired
    • A Georgia Voter ID Card
    • A U.S. passport
    • A U.S. military ID
    • A tribal ID
    • A government employee ID issued by the U.S. government, Georgia, or a Georgia county or city
    • A student ID from a Georgia public college, university, or technical school

    Don’t Have a Photo ID?

    You can get a free Georgia Voter ID Card if you do not have another acceptable form of identification.

    If you arrive at your polling place without an acceptable ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot. You will need to provide acceptable identification afterward for your ballot to be counted.

    What Is a Provisional Ballot?

    A provisional ballot is a backup ballot that lets you vote if there is a question about your voter registration on Election Day. You may receive a provisional ballot if:

    • Your name is not on the voter list.
    • There is a question about your registration.
    • You believe you are registered and eligible to vote, but election workers cannot confirm it right away.

    Here’s how it works:

    You fill out a provisional ballot just like a regular ballot. Election officials check your voter registration after the election. If they confirm that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted.

    Remember: If you believe you are registered to vote, don’t leave without voting. Ask for a provisional ballot. It gives you the opportunity to have your vote counted once your registration is verified.

     

    GEORGIA VOTING RESOURCES

    Click here to check your voter registration status and to learn more about your polling place.

    View the G Voter Guide.

     Need help with voting? Contact the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or visit govotega.org/election-protection.

    LOUISIANA

    The 2026 election is an important moment for Louisiana. The decisions voters make will shape the future of our communities, our schools, our economy, and our democracy. Every vote matter, and every voice deserves to be heard.

    Black voters have the power to influence the direction of our state by participating in elections at every level. By showing up at the polls, voters can help elect leaders who are responsive to their communities, invest in opportunity, and work to ensure that all Louisianans have a fair chance to succeed.

    WHAT IS A RUNOFF ELECTION?

    Runoff elections happen when no candidate receives more than 50% plus 1 of the votes in the election. Runoffs give voters another chance to decide who will best represent their community and ensure the winner has broader voter support.

     

    KEY LOUISIANA ELECTION DATES

    Make sure you know the important dates before Election Day.

    • October 5th 2026: Last day to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an OMV office.
    • October 13th 2026: Last day to register to vote online through the GeauxVote Online Registration System.

    EARLY VOTING

    • October 20th –27th: Early voting is available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • There is no early voting on Sunday, October 25.

    VOTING BY MAIL

    • If you plan to vote by mail, you must request an absentee ballot by October 30 at 4:30 p.m. This deadline does not apply to military and overseas voters.
    • You can request an absentee ballot online through the Louisiana Voter Portal or by contacting your local Registrar of Voters.
    • Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your local Registrar of Voters by November 2 at 4:30 p.m. This deadline does not apply to military and overseas voters.

    ELECTION DAY

    • Election Day is November 3.
    • Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • If you are in line by 8 p.m., stay in line. You can still cast your ballot.
    • Before you vote, check your voter registration and make a plan for when, where, and how you will vote.

     

    LOUISIANA VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS

    If you are voting in person in Louisiana, you will be asked to show a photo ID before you vote. You will also be asked to provide your name and address.

    What ID Can I Use?

    You can use one of these forms of identification:

    • A Louisiana driver’s license
    • A Louisiana Special ID card
    • A digital Louisiana driver’s license through LA Wallet
    • A U.S. military ID that includes your name and photo
    • Another generally recognized photo ID that includes your name and signature, such as a passport

    Don’t Have a Photo ID?

    • Don’t assume you can’t vote. If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you can still vote by completing a Voter Identification Affidavit and answering questions that help election officials verify your identity. Your ballot may be challenged under Louisiana law.
    • You can also get a free Louisiana Special ID card from the Office of Motor Vehicles. You will need your voter information card to get one.

    Remember: Bring your photo ID when you vote. Your Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID, LA Wallet digital driver’s license, military ID, or another recognized photo ID with your name and signature can be used.

     

    WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL BALLOT?

    A provisional ballot is a backup ballot that lets you vote if there is a question about your voter registration on Election Day. You may receive a provisional ballot if:

    • Your name is not on the voter list.
    • There is a question about your registration.
    • You believe you are registered and eligible to vote, but election workers cannot confirm it right away.

    Here’s how it works:

    You fill out a provisional ballot just like a regular ballot. Election officials check your voter registration after the election. If they confirm that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted.

    Remember: If you believe you are registered to vote, don’t leave without voting. Ask for a provisional ballot. It gives you the opportunity to have your vote counted once your registration is verified.

     

    LOUISIANA VOTING RESOURCES

    Click HERE to check your Voter Registration status and find your polling location.

    Need help with voting? Contact the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or click HERE.

    For More information visit the Louisiana Secretary of Sate’s – Voting Information

    CALIFORNIA

     The 2026 election is an important moment for California voters. 

    The decisions made at the ballot box will shape the future of our communities, schools, economy, and democracy. Black voters have the power to influence these outcomes by making their voices heard and participating in every election. By turning out to vote, Californians can help elect leaders who are responsive to their communities, protect fundamental rights, invest in local neighborhoods, and work toward a more equitable future for all. 

    What is a Runoff Election? 

    Runoff elections happen when no candidate receives more than 50% plus 1 of the votes in the election. Runoffs give voters another chance to decide who will best represent their community and ensure the winner has broader voter support. 

    If you are voting for the first time in California and you registered to vote by mail but did not include your driver’s license number, California ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number, you may be asked to show identification. 

    To be safe, bring an ID with you when you vote. If you are voting by mail, you may need to include a copy of your ID with your ballot. 

    Examples of accepted identification include: 

        • A California driver’s license or state ID 
        • A passport 
        • A student ID with your name and photo 
        • A recent utility bill 
        • Your sample ballot booklet from your county elections office 
        • Another document from a government agency

    If you are voting in person for the first time, bringing an accepted ID can help avoid any problems at the polls. 

     

    KEY CALIFORNIA ELECTION DATES 

        • October 5, 2026 – Every active registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail. You do not have to request one.  
        • October 6, 2026 – Ballot Drop Boxes Open- You can return your completed ballot by dropping it in the official ballot box, taking it to your county election office or mailing it ballot.  
        • October 19, 2026 – Last Day to Register for the November 3rd, 2026 election  
        • October 24, 2026 – Early Voting begins
        • October 31, 2026 – Weekend Voting begins

    Election Day

        • November 3, 2026 – Election Day- Polls open at 7:00am 8:00pm 
        • If you are in line by 8 p.m., stay in line. You can still cast your ballot. 
        • Before you vote, check your voter registration and plan for when, where, and how you will vote 

    WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL BALLOT?

    A provisional ballot is a backup ballot that lets you vote if there is a question about your voter registration on Election Day. You may receive a provisional ballot if:  

        • Your name is not on the voter list.  
        • There is a question about your registration.  
        • You believe you are registered and eligible to vote, but election workers cannot confirm it right away. 

    Here’s how it works: 

    You fill out a provisional ballot just like a regular ballot. Election officials check your voter registration after the election. If they confirm that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. 

    Remember: If you believe you are registered to vote, don’t leave without voting. Ask for a provisional ballot. It gives you the opportunity to have your vote counted once your registration is verified. 

     

     

    CALIFORNIA VOTING RESOURCES

    Click HERE to find your polling location.

    NORTH CAROLINA

    The 2026 election will decide whether the people or politicians hold the power in North Carolina. Over the past 15 years, the General Assembly has worked to weaken the Governor, silence voters, and centralize control in its own hands. By voting in 2026, Black North Carolinians have the chance to change that story. Every vote will help determine whether we build a state where power is shared, voices are heard, and the future belongs to the people and not the politicians in Raleigh.  

     

    KEY NORTH CAROLINA ELECTION DATES

    Early Voting 

    • October 15, 2026 – First Day of Early Voting  
    • October 20, 2026 – Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot 
    • October 31, 2026 – Last Day of Early Voting  

    Election Day – November 3, 2026  

    • Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.  
    • Absentee Ballots are due to your local polling place by 7:30 p.m. 
    • If you are in line by 7:30 p.m., stay in line. You can still cast your ballot. 

    NORTH CAROLINA VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS

    If you are voting in person in North Carolina, you will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID. Here are the IDs you can use: 

    • North Carolina driver’s license 
    • North Carolina State ID card (also called a non-operator ID) 
    • U.S. passport or passport card 
    • North Carolina Voter Photo ID card issued by your county board of elections 
    • Approved college or university student ID 
    • Approved state or local government or charter school employee ID 
    • Driver’s license or non-driver ID from another state, Washington, D.C., or a U.S. territory if you registered to vote in North Carolina within 90 days of the election 
    • U.S. military or veterans ID with a photo 
    • Tribal enrollment card with a photo from a state- or federally recognized tribe 
    • A photo ID issued by a U.S. or North Carolina government agency for a public assistance program 

    IDs must be unexpired or expired for no more than one year. However, voters age 65 or older may use an expired acceptable ID if it was valid on their 65th birthday. Military, veterans, tribal, and certain public assistance IDs have different expiration rules 

      NORTH CAROLINA VOTING RESOURCES

      Click here to check your registration information status.

      Vote Early in Person  

      Vote in Person on Election Day

      Vote By Mail 

      What Is a Provisional Ballot? 

      A provisional ballot is a backup ballot that lets you vote if there is a question about your voter registration on Election Day. You may receive a provisional ballot if:  

      • Your name is not on the voter list.  
      • There is a question about your registration.  
      • You believe you are registered and eligible to vote, but election workers cannot confirm it right away. 

      Here’s how it works: 

      You fill out a provisional ballot just like a regular ballot. Election officials check your voter registration after the election. If they confirm that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. 

      Remember: If you believe you are registered to vote, don’t leave without voting. Ask for a provisional ballot. It gives you the opportunity to have your vote counted once your registration is verified. 

      ADDITIONAL STATES

      Find everything you need to vote including what’s on your ballot, polling locations, voter registration, and election reminders by visiting vote.org.