# Who’s On Your Ballot? A Nonpartisan Guide to State and Local Elections

**November 3, 2026** — While much of the political spotlight focuses on federal elections, the candidates who most directly shape your daily life are often found much lower on your ballot. State and local races determine everything from your child’s school curriculum to the roads you drive on, the taxes you pay, and the criminal justice system in your community.

Here’s how to find out who’s on your ballot and why these races matter more than you might think.

## Why State and Local Races Matter

When Americans think about elections, presidential races tend to dominate the conversation. But state and local officials make decisions that affect you every single day:

– **Governors** lead state governments, approve budgets, and can veto legislation. They oversee state agencies, declare emergencies, and often shape national policy agendas as potential future presidential candidates.

– **State legislators** write the laws that govern your state—on education, healthcare, transportation, voting rights, and more. They decide budget allocations that determine funding for local schools, police departments, and infrastructure.

– **Mayors and city council members** control local zoning, public safety, parking, trash collection, and municipal budgets. These are the officials most accessible to residents.

– **School boards** set curricula, approve budgets, hire superintendents, and make decisions about student policies. These races are often nonpartisan and underappreciated.

– **Judges and prosecutors** determine how criminal cases are handled, set bail amounts, and influence sentencing. Many judges face retention elections.

In 2026, there are **300 state executive offices up for election across 43 states**, including **36 governorships**. These races will shape state policy direction for years to come.

## How to Find Who’s On Your Ballot

Finding your ballot is easier than ever. Several nonpartisan resources can show you exactly what will be on your ballot:

### BallotReady (ballotready.org)
Enter your address to see every candidate and issue on your ballot, including their backgrounds, positions, and endorsements. BallotReady covers races from president to local school boards.

### Vote.org (vote.org)
In addition to registration and absentee ballot requests, Vote.org provides ballot information for your specific address.

### Your State Election Website
Every state has an official election office website with candidate lists, sample ballots, and voting information. Search for “[Your State] election office” to find it.

### Local Election Offices
Your county or city clerk’s website often has the most detailed local ballot information, including candidate questionnaires and voter guides.

## Key Races to Watch in 2026

The 2026 midterm elections will feature several high-profile state races:

**Governor Races**
With 36 governorships on the ballot, 2026 is a major election year for state executives. Currently, there are 24 Democratic governors and 26 Republican governors. Many competitive races will determine the balance of power in statehouses across the country.

**State Legislative Races**
All state legislature seats in 44 states are up for election in 2026. These races determine which party controls statehouses and, consequently, the direction of state policy for the next decade. Control of state legislatures also plays a role in congressional redistricting.

**Judicial Elections**
Many states elect judges at the state and local levels. These races often receive less attention but significantly impact criminal justice, civil rights, and property rights.

## How to Research Candidates

Once you know who’s on your ballot, how do you decide? Here’s a practical approach:

1. **Check voting records**: For incumbents, review how they’ve voted on key issues. Many state legislature websites publish voting records.

2. **Review candidate websites**: Look for position statements on issues you care about. Be skeptical of vague promises.

3. **Check endorsements**: Endorsements from organizations you trust can help narrow down candidates. Look for bipartisan or independent sources when possible.

4. **Research candidate backgrounds**: Look into their experience, professional history, and any scandals or controversies.

5. **Read local news coverage**: Local newspapers and news sites often provide the most thorough coverage of state and local races.

6. **Check impartial voter guides**: League of Women Voters chapters in many states publish nonpartisan voter guides.

## Why Local Races Affect Your Daily Life More Than Federal Elections

Here’s a practical example: When you vote for president, you’re choosing among candidates who will set national policy. But when you vote for your state legislator, you’re choosing someone who will directly affect:

– **Property taxes** through local funding formulas
– **School curricula** through education standards
– **Roads and infrastructure** through transportation budgets
– **Healthcare access** through state insurance programs
– **Public safety** through criminal justice policies

Your city council member or mayor makes decisions about:

– Zoning and development in your neighborhood
– Parking availability and public transit
– Local police and fire department priorities
– Parks, recreation facilities, and community programs

These officials are more accessible than federal representatives—you can attend city council meetings, call your state legislator’s office, or meet candidates at local events. Your vote also goes much further in local elections, where margins of victory are often small.

## Bottom Line

State and local elections matter—perhaps more than any other races on your ballot. These officials make decisions that directly affect your property taxes, schools, public safety, and daily quality of life.

Take 30 minutes to research your ballot before Election Day. Use tools like BallotReady or your state election website to see exactly what’s on your ballot. Your vote in these down-ballot races has real power—and real consequences.

**Election Day is November 3, 2026.** Start preparing now.

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*This is a nonpartisan voter guide. We do not endorse any candidate or party. For official voting information, visit your state election office website.*