The Big Mid-Term Election Is Just A Few Weeks Away

Every year, this time comes, and it seems that every year we can't wait for it to be over. However, if history has taught us anything,i it's that elections have consequences and, while all of them are important, the results of the election that is coming up in just one month's time will have far-reaching implications for Americans from sea to shining sea.

According to a law that was passed by Congress in 1875, Election Day in America happens annually on the Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November. Federal elections like the President and Congress happen in even-numbered years, while state and local elections often happen in odd-numbered years. With 2026 being an even-numbered year and with us being halfway through Donald Trump's second term as President, this year is considered a mid-term election.  Now, with less than a month to go,

Across the Empire State and the country, people will go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to vote for all sorts of offices, from county and state-level officials to governors and Congress.

READ MORE: Trump Promises Money If Republicans Win In November

Whether you like it or not, our democratic society requires people to participate in the political process, and when large numbers of people don't participate, you see many of the things happening in our nation today.

We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.
–Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States & 1st United States Secretary of State

With so many offices up for election this year, it's important to vote. You can find a full list of races in Western New York here on the Erie County Board of Elections website, but the major ones you need to pay attention to are:

• United States Representative in Congress - 2 Year Term
• Governor of New York State - 4 Year Term
• Lieutenant Governor of New York State - 4 Year Term
• Comptroller of New York State - 4 Year Term
• Attorney General of New York State - 4 Year Term
• Justice of the New York State Supreme Court - 14 Year Term
• New York State Senator - 2 Year Term
• Member of New York State Assembly - 2 Year Term
• Erie County Clerk - 4 Year Term
• Erie County Legislator - 2 Year Term
• City of Buffalo Court Judge - 10 Year Term

While the election is set for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, you don't have to wait until then to cast your vote. Early voting starts on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

That Saturday, the 24th, is also the last day you can register to vote as well. You can check here to verify whether you are registered to vote in the Empire State.