VOTE! Today is Election Day! Find your polling place! Polls are open from 6am–7pm. VOTE!

×

NUVotes

Northwestern's comprehensive 50-state voter-services hub

2018 Midterm Elections Education Guide

The 2018 General Elections will be held on Tuesday, November 6th, for most of Congress, most state Governors, and more. Use this guide to learn more about the upcoming elections and how you can participate.

  • What are the Midterms?

    Why Do They Matter?

  • How Do I Register & Vote?

    FAQs About Registration & Voting in All 50 States

  • When Are the Deadlines?

    Registration & Absentee Voting Deadlines by State

  • How Can I Make an Informed Decision?

    What's On My Ballot? How Do I Decide?

NUVotes helps students register to vote at their campus or permanent address across the country.

What are the Midterms? Why Do They Matter?

On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, General Elections will be held in every state. These elections are commonly called Midterm Elections, as they are held midway through each presidential term.

In these upcoming elections, voters will choose every member of the US House of Representatives (435), one third of US Senators (34), more than two thirds of state governors (36), and the vast majority of state legislators (over 6,000), in addition to countless other state and local officials, and changes to state and local laws.

With control of Congress and state legislatures and so many local and national issues at stake, your voice – and your vote – matters.

 

Where Should I Vote? Should I Vote In Illinois or In My Home State?

As a college student, you have the legal right to register and vote at either your campus address or your permanent address. You may wish to consider where you feel more connected to your community or more informed about local issues, how you prefer to participate in the process (for instance, voting by mail or voting in person), or where you feel your vote will make the greatest impact.

Be A Part of Northwestern's Voting Culture.

Please note: The information here was compiled from publicly available sources in an effort to help provide students with non-partisan information that they may need to know in order to register correctly and vote in upcoming elections. Northwestern University does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political campaign or election. Students are responsible for working with their own local election officials to ensure their own correct registration and to verify local laws and policies about voting in their respective districts.