Cast an educated vote this November

How to research candidates and propositions for the upcoming midterm elections

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD — opinion@theaggie.org

As the leaves slowly change into orange and the temperature drops, the shift into fall marks one of many traditions: midterm elections. While presidential elections draw more attention and voter turnout, it is equally important to vote in midterm elections, which determine the composition of the United States Congress and the trajectory of the second half of the presidential term. 

As November approaches, so does the 2026 midterm general election. California’s Nov. 3 election will decide our next governor, insurance commissioner, State assemblymembers and both State and Federal senators. 14 propositions to change state law will also be considered. With this in mind, it is important to not only vote but to also do research on the candidates and propositions that are on the ballot.

Going into midterm elections, remember to keep in mind your rights as a voter and how to utilize them to the best of your ability. Voters can cast a secret ballot, ask for help marking it or request a ballot in another language. Anyone still in line when polls close at 8 p.m. local time is still entitled to vote. 

While the last day to register to vote passed on Oct. 19, there are still options for residents to vote on Election Day and to fulfill their civic duty. As a California resident, you can check your registration status as a voter in this election at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov under the “My Voter Status” tool. Residents not currently registered to vote can complete “Same Day Voter Registration” at your county’s elections office, voting centers or other polling places. 

For anyone who may have registered to vote by Oct. 19 but has lost or damaged their original ballot, you can apply for a replacement ballot online or via phone, email or fax. 

Regardless of registration status, it is important to be educated on the ballot’s contents for this upcoming election. Properly researching the candidates and propositions is vital; this general election helps determine what the remainder of President Donald Trump’s final two years in office will look like. 

Background research can begin with a Google search to learn what candidates stand for, what policies they support and what political parties they align themselves with. We implore you to not only visit the candidates’ websites and look over propositions, but also peruse outside sources and endorsements. You are also encouraged to reach out to the candidates themselves, or their teams, as well as those who support them or the propositions. 

Amid an abundance of misinformation, it is necessary to use multiple sources to ensure accuracy. A good place to start may be the 2026 General Election Official Voter Information Guide, which includes key details about the propositions and candidates. Another source you can use is the California KQED Voter Guide. This website breaks down what each proposition entails, which organizations endorse it and what it means to vote “yes” or “no.” While these sites are informational, the Editorial Board encourages you to conduct your own research and dive deep into the candidates and propositions on the ballot. 

No amount of content from Instagram, TikTok or other social media apps will substitute for your own research. Information on politics and ballot measures is easily accessible on social media platforms, but that does not mean that it should be taken at face value. While influencers and other content creators appear to be well-informed experts, most of the time they’re simply passionate voices without real credentials. Misinformation is easily spread through social media and other outlets, so we urge you to conduct your own research to feel confident in the choices you make.

Once you have done your research, plan out how and when you will vote. In-person early voting begins on Oct. 24 at voting centers in Voter’s Choice Act counties (Yolo County included) and Oct. 31 at early voting locations elsewhere. The last day to vote in-person or return a ballot is Nov. 3, with polls closing at 8 p.m. local time.

The Editorial Board encourages everyone eligible to vote. Voting is a civic duty that each citizen should fulfill. Your vote matters — not just for yourself, but for the rest of the country. Get out there and vote! 

Written by: The Editorial Board — opinion@theaggie.org