The Civic Literacy Project: What is on the Ballot?

By Maqube Reese, MSW, LSW, Founder|CEO, Tribe Consulting Firm

The Civic Literacy Project| August 5, 2026

Welcome to day four! Make sure to check out day three here. If you’ve been following along, thank you for your commitment and for sharing your thoughts and questions. If this is your first time here, welcome! If you’re a returning reader, you know the routine…grab a tea or coffee and join me as we talk about what’s on the ballot. Today, we’ll break down what you can expect to see on your ballot in the upcoming election. I’ll explain more about House Representatives and Senators and briefly discuss which offices and positions you’ll be voting on, from federal to local, and why each one matters. This is a popular topic, and one of the questions I hear most is, Maqube, what IS on the Ballot?

Before we talk about what’s on the ballot, let’s quickly cover how primary elections work. A primary is when each party chooses its candidates for the general election. Depending on where you live and the office, candidates might compete against others from their own party for the nomination. Sometimes, a candidate becomes the nominee automatically. (Presidential primaries and caucuses, 2026) You might also hear the word 'incumbent.' That means the person who currently holds the office. Incumbents can run again, but they may have to face challengers in the primary, the general election, or both. (Presidential general election, 2026)

After the primary, each party’s candidate, along with any qualified independent or third-party candidates, moves on to the general election. (Presidential general election | USAGov, 2026) This year, the general election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and you are on this journey with me to increase civic literacy until the general election. Go here to review the start of this blog post Why I'm Writing Every Day before the 2026 General Election.

Let’s get started... What's on the Ballot!

This November’s general election is called the 'Midterm election' because it happens halfway through the president’s term. You won’t see the president on your ballot this time. (Congressional elections and midterm elections, 2026) Instead, every voter will choose a U.S. Representative. Members of the House serve two-year terms, and all 435 House seats are up for election every two years (Congressional elections and midterm elections, 2026). However, ballots are not the same everywhere. While everyone votes for a U.S. Representative, the other races and issues on your ballot depend on your district.

That’s why your ballot might look different from someone else’s, even in the same state (State and local elections, 2026). House representatives speak for your district in Washington, D.C. They introduce bills, vote on federal laws, and work on issues that affect your community (The House Explained, 2026). You’ll also vote for a U.S. Senator. A senator's job is to represent their state. Their key duties include proposing, debating, and voting on laws, overseeing government operations, and serving on committees to address specific policy issues (The Legislative Branch – The White House, n.d.). Senators serve six-year terms, and this year, 35 Senate seats are up for election: 33 regular seats and 2 special elections. (2026 United States Senate elections, 2026)

Depending on your state and community, you’ll also see some local offices on your ballot in addition to Senator and U.S. Representative. You might wonder how to find out which local offices or issues will be on your ballot. The best way is to visit your state or county election website. They often have sample ballots or lookup tools where you can enter your address and see exactly what you'll be voting on. Checking this ahead of time helps you be prepared and informed before Election Day (Find your polling place, 2026).

To name a few: Mayor, City Council, School Board, County Commissioners, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk, Judges, Township officials, and more. Your ballot is based on your home address and the districts you live in. So, your ballot may look different from someone else’s (Institute, n.d.).

To wrap up, because we have a time limit, every office on your ballot is important. Say it with me: MY… VOTE… MATTERS….Members of Congress shape national policy, while state and local officials make decisions about schools, public safety, infrastructure, taxes, elections, and daily life (Petersen, n.d.). Many people focus on the U.S. Senate and House races, but your local choices matter as well. Now it’s your turn to get involved! Here are some ideas to get started: check your state or county election website for your sample ballot, read up on the candidates and issues, attend or watch a local candidate forum, and talk with friends or family about the election. You could even volunteer as a poll worker or help remind others to vote. Every step you take helps build a stronger community.

To keep informed about what’s happening in your community, check out these resources:

1. Local Government Website – Most cities and towns have an official website where they post news, events, and community updates.

2. Community Centers– Visit your nearest community center for information about upcoming activities, meetings, and local programs.

3. Library Events Calendar– Public libraries often host events and workshops, and maintain a calendar of local happenings.

4. Social Media Groups – Platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor host neighborhood groups where residents share news and events.

5. Local Newspapers or News Stations – Check online or print editions for coverage of community events, public notices, and local stories.

6. Chamber of Commerce – Many chambers offer event listings and business news relevant to the community.

7. Volunteer Organizations – Groups such as United Way or local nonprofits often list opportunities and events.

These resources can help you stay connected and involved with what’s happening around you.

References

(November 2, 2026). 2026 United States Senate elections. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_elections

(2026). Congressional elections and midterm elections. USAGov. https://www.usa.gov/midterm-elections

Institute, L. I. (n.d.). Congressional Districts | U.S. Constitution Annotated. Article I, Section 2, Clause 1. https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-1/section-2/clause-1/congressional-districts

Petersen, R. E. (n.d.). Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress: Brief Overview. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL33686

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About the Author

Maqube Reese, MSW, LSW, is the founder of Tribe Consulting and an award-winning civil rights leader, educator, and strategist committed to strengthening democracy. She believes civic literacy, leadership, and public service are essential today. Maqube received the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Award for her civil rights work and the NAACP Indiana Youth and College as the inaugural award winner of The Jason Hayes Presidents Award, recognizing her dedication to empowering young leaders. 

As a former Conciliation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service under the Biden and Harris administration, she addressed complex challenges in civil rights, public safety, and conflict resolution. Reese also served as an Associate Faculty at Indiana University Bloomington, advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. She was an Associate Director for the Kelley School of Business, recruiting and retaining top talent across the nation. Her experience with real-world practice, coupled with academic scholarship, provides an opportunity to introduce real challenges and navigate a solution-focused mindset.  

Reese currently works at Indiana Black Expo, Inc. as their Director for Youth and Family Programs, a statewide organization, and her belief in democracy is strongest when people understand how and why it CAN work. The principle of Vincent Harding, a predecessor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., historian and peacemaker, guides her. As historian and civil rights scholar Vincent Harding reminded us, "We are all a part of each other." Democracy is not an individual act but an interconnected responsibility. Every election, every conversation, and every generation inherits the work of strengthening the human experience.