It’s officially midterm season! I know we’re all busy studying for our own midterms, attending classes, working, and balancing extracurriculars. However, voting is a crucial part of our democratic process and an important way students can make their voices heard.
So, with Election Day approaching on November 3, here’s a UCLA student’s guide to everything you need to know to make your voting plan!
How to vote
I’m originally from Santa Clara County and have previously voted there. However, when I moved to Los Angeles for school, I did not have access to my mail-in ballot for the primary election. As a result, on Election Day, I was able to both re-register with my new address in LA County and cast a provisional ballot.
If you have access to your mail-in ballot, make sure to fill it out and cast it at any official ballot drop box as soon as possible. For individual circumstances, you can check out Bruin FAQs to find out how to participate in the upcoming midterm. To check your voter registration status, you can head over to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Lastly, know your voter rights before heading to the polls.
where to vote
UCLA’s commitment to making voting accessible for students is truly admirable. Whether you want to vote early, cast your vote on Election Day, or mail in your ballot, there are a ton of great options available at or surrounding UCLA. The Hammer Museum, Ackerman Union’s Bruin Reception Room, and UCLA De Neve Plaza all have the same dates and hours when you are able to cast your vote. They follow these dates and hours:
When? October 31st through November 3rd, 2026.
Hours? From October 31st through November 2nd, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Election Day, November 3rd, you are able to cast your ballot from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you get in line before 8 p.m., stay in line! You will still be able to cast your vote. Additionally, the Ackerman Union Grand Ballroom voting center will be open only on November 2nd, from 10 am to 7 pm.
If you prefer to vote by mail, you can drop off your ballot at any official LA County drop box. UCLA offers official drop box locations at the UCLA Parking and Information Kiosk as well as at the Westwood Branch Library.
There are plenty of places to cast your ballot, so make a plan that works best for you! For the latest information, visit BruinsVote’s UCLA voting guide or the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s election website.
what’s on the ballot
Midterms are always a big deal, but this year, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and about one-third of the U.S. Senate seats are up for election. The results will help determine the balance of power in Congress. California voters will also decide on statewide propositions and elect candidates to state and local offices.
Here are some of the key races and issues to look out for on the CA ballot that include state offices, propositions and local ballot measures.
State offices: California governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state controller, state treasurer and other statewide offices.
Propositions: California has 14 statewide propositions on the November 2026 ballot. These include Proposition 39, which would require government-issued identification to vote; Proposition 40, which would impose a one-time tax on certain taxpayers with assets valued over $1 billion; and Proposition 41, which concerns state taxes and requires audits of certain new state special taxes.
Local races: Depending on where you live, your ballot may include candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, California State Senate, Los Angeles County offices and city government. UCLA students should check their individual ballots to confirm which districts and local races apply to them.
Of course, this isn’t the entire ballot. Take some time to do your own credible research on the candidates, propositions, and ballot measures in your area. One resource I’ve found helpful is CalMatters’ 2026 California Voter Guide, where you can explore the issues and create a personalized ballot. Understanding the issues on your ballot can help you make a well-informed decision and have a fast voting experience.
Why You Should Care!
The decisions elected officials make affect our daily lives more than some people think. From the cost of rent, gas, and groceries to student loans, job opportunities, mental health resources, and climate change, the issues being debated today shape our lives — not only in college but also way beyond graduation.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and one election won’t solve all our problems immediately. However, showing up to the polls and encouraging your friends to do the same is how you make a difference and help your community. That’s why every election is worth paying attention to.
With that being said, grab your friends, make a voting plan, and head to the polls. We all have busy schedules, but taking the time to participate in our democracy matters. Your vote counts!