Get Out the Vote Counselor Guide

Lead, Advocate, Vote: Counselors’ Guide to the 2026 Midterm Elections

The 2026 midterm elections are approaching!

Join �ֲ��ýand mobilize your colleagues, clients, family and friends to ensure that the collective voice of the counseling community is heard in your local, state and federal elections. To help you participate, we’ve compiled key information on state primary dates, voting resources and guidance so you can make your voice heard and encourage others to do the same.

Professional counselors hold a unique position of trust and influence within their communities. Beyond providing care, counselors are advocates for the well-being, dignity and empowerment of the individuals and communities they serve.

Participating in the democratic process is a powerful extension of that advocacy. When counselors vote, they can help amplify the voices of marginalized and underserved populations and support policies that strengthen mental health services, expand access to care, and promote healthier, more equitable communities.

Civic engagement reflects the core values of the counseling profession—social justice, community wellness, and ethical advocacy. By staying informed and participating in elections, counselors help ensure that public policy reflects the real needs of the individuals and families they serve.

2026 State Primaries At a Glance

March 3: Earliest Primaries Begin
June: Busiest month (15 primaries)
Mid-September: Latest Primaries
46 states have legislative, congressional, gubernatorial and statewide offices on the ballot
- Note: Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia hold state elections in odd-numbered years.

Know your state primary! See the full list of .

2026 Midterm Elections

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Your Voting Guide: Vote Smart, Stay Informed

Prepare for the midterm by creating a voting plan, reviewing ballot measures, researching candidates and knowing your rights—while taking care of yourself during a busy election season.

Voting Resources

Utilize the to find bipartisan information on:

Get Election Day Ready

Now that you have your voting resources, the next step is to make your plan to vote. Assuming that you are registered to vote, there are four steps to prepare for election day.

Find your Polling Location.
Make sure to know if your state requires identification to vote.
1. Note that some states only allow you to vote in primaries if you are a registered member of that party. To learn more about this and check your state’s status, see here:
If you are not able to vote in person, consider:
1. Requesting absentee ballot.
2. If your state allows you to vote early by mail or in person, take advantage of this opportunity.
Know how you are getting to the polls.
1. Some states will provide free transportation to the polls.
2. Rideshare (Uber & Lyft) services may provide discounted rates on election day. Check the app prior to election day to inquire.

Be An Informed Voter

Use unbiased resources to explore candidates, ballot measures and campaign finances. Make your vote count. (As a 501(c)3, �ֲ��ýcannot make endorsements and must be nonpartisan.

2026 Candidate and Ballot Measure Resources

Understand Your Voter Rights

The provides resources on voter rights, including information on:

Protect Your Vote

Visit the to learn more about your voting rights, how to handle voter intimidation and where to get help at the polls. If you witness or experience voter intimidation, please call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

Manage Your Stress and Well-being

We recognize that election seasons can bring heightened stress, uncertainty and anxiety for many individuals and communities. As counselors committed to promoting mental health and well-being, we want to share supportive resources that can help you — and those around you — navigate this time with care, balance, and resilience.

Additional resources that can support you this election season:

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