The Junior Explorer · ages 9–11 · 2026-10-24
Millions of Grown-Ups Are Already Voting
The midterm elections are on 3 November, but many people have voted early.
On 3 November, grown-ups in the United States will vote in the midterm elections. They choose people for Congress. Congress is the group that makes the country's laws. Midterms come halfway through a president's four years in office.
Many people do not wait for the last day. They vote early, by mail or in person. A group at the University of Florida counts early votes. It found more than 16 million people in 41 states and Washington, D.C. had already voted. About 10 million voted by mail. About 6 million voted in person.
Some places have seen big jumps. The Associated Press, a news agency, found huge jumps in Kansas and Texas. In Maine, North Carolina and Ohio there were at least 30% more early votes than four years ago.
Why it matters
Voting is how people choose who makes the laws. Children cannot vote yet, but they can learn how it works.
EARLY VOTES SO FAR. More than 16 million in all. Source: Spectrum News.