In the latter part of 2026, it is more important than ever to register to vote. As seniors approach the voting age, the first election many will be able to participate in is the midterms. While college, family, and other milestones may be priorities, the midterms will shape the country’s policies and direction in the years ahead.

Both of America’s premier parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, will be campaigning for support in November 2026. Democrats are looking to swing seats in Congress as the president’s approval ratings have declined nationally, and Republicans are in recovery mode as some of their stronghold states show increased Democratic support.

In California, there are 52 congressional districts, 43 of which are currently held by Democrats. Proposition 50, which will be decided in November 2025, could restructure districts to increase the number with Democratic majorities. The measure, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would let voters decide whether to approve redistricting, following controversies in states such as Texas, where maps were redrawn without voter input.

Citizens are often discouraged from voting, saying, “the state will be blue anyway,” and the same sentiment exists in Republican-leaning states. Under the Electoral College system, presidential candidates gain all the credit for a statewide majority vote, leading some to feel their ballots do not matter. But in local and state elections, such as the 2026 midterms, every vote carries weight.

Analysts say party control of Congress will have a significant effect on the president’s final two years in office. If Republicans maintain their slim majorities, 219-214 in the House and 53-47 in the Senate, legislation backed by allies of the president could advance more easily. If Democrats flip control, the administration may face gridlock for the remainder of its term.

Political scientists caution against strict party-line voting, noting that slogans such as “vote blue no matter who” or “vote red ‘til you’re dead” can discourage critical evaluation of candidates’ policies. Experts emphasize that elections are meant to provide voters with a choice and that examining candidates’ goals and records is essential in deciding who best represents their interests. Still, they acknowledge that in midterm years such as 2026, overall party control of Congress will shape the president’s ability to enact legislation, meaning that partisan outcomes can have a direct impact on policy direction even as individual candidates matter most at the ballot box.

In addition, registering with a political party in California gives voters the chance to participate in that party’s primaries. “No Party Preference” voters are often excluded from partisan primaries unless a party chooses to open its ballot. For students who want to influence which candidates reach the general election, choosing a party affiliation, even temporarily, can provide a greater say.

For the Class of 2026, this will be the first time many students cast a ballot. The choices made in the midterm elections will not only affect Congress but also shape California’s future at the state and local level. From congressional seats to statewide propositions, seniors will have a unique opportunity to make their voices heard. The first step is simple: register to vote.

How to Register & Notes

• In California, residents can pre-register at 16, and it automatically activates at 18. Online registration is available at the California Secretary of State’s website and takes only a few minutes. Just visit Online Voter Registration | California Secretary of State!
• When registering, voters can also sign up to receive official voter information guides by email. These guides include details on candidates, propositions, and polling locations.
• Pre-registering or registering ensures eligibility to vote in the 2026 gubernatorial election, as well as for congressional representatives in the House.
• Sen. Alex Padilla’s seat will be on the ballot in 2026, though he has not yet announced whether he will run for reelection. Gov. Newsom’s term also ends that year, raising speculation that Padilla may seek the governorship instead. Sen. Adam Schiff, elected in 2024 to a six-year term, will not face reelection until 2030.