Congressional elections determine who represents you in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Understanding the election cycle, including when elections occur and which seats are on the ballot, helps you stay informed and engaged as a voter.

House Elections: Every 2 Years

All 435 House seats are up for election every two years. House elections occur in:

• Presidential election years (2024, 2028, 2032...) - Higher turnout due to presidential race
• Midterm election years (2026, 2030, 2034...) - Lower turnout, often seen as referendum on sitting president

This 2-year cycle keeps House members closely accountable to voters. Representatives must campaign frequently, making the House the most responsive chamber to current public opinion.

Senate Elections: Staggered 6-Year Terms

Senators serve 6-year terms, but only about one-third of the Senate (33-34 seats) is elected every two years. The Senate is divided into three classes:

This staggered system ensures the Senate always has experienced members, providing stability and institutional knowledge. Learn more about how Senate classes work.

Election Day: When and Why

Federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. This tradition dates back to 1845 and was chosen because:

• November followed the harvest season, allowing farmers to vote
• Tuesday avoided conflicts with Sunday worship and Wednesday market days
• The formula ensures Election Day falls between November 2 and 8

Upcoming election dates:

• 2026: November 3
• 2028: November 7
• 2030: November 5

Primary Elections vs. General Elections

Primary Elections

Primary elections determine which candidates from each political party will appear on the general election ballot. Primary dates vary by state, typically occurring between March and September of an election year.

Some states have "closed primaries" (only registered party members can vote), while others have "open primaries" (any registered voter can participate).

General Elections

The general election in November is when voters choose between the candidates who won their party primaries. This is when House members and senators are officially elected to office.

Special Elections

When a House or Senate seat becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or other reasons, a special election may be held to fill the remainder of the term. Special election rules vary by state:

• House vacancies: Most states hold special elections within a few months
• Senate vacancies: Some states allow the governor to appoint a temporary replacement until the next general election

The Election Timeline

A typical congressional election cycle follows this pattern:

Voter Eligibility and Registration

To vote in congressional elections, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years or older on Election Day
• Meet your state's residency requirements
• Be registered to vote (registration deadlines vary by state)

Check your voter registration status and find your polling place at Vote.gov.

Track Your Representatives

Want to see when your current representatives' terms end? Use our interactive map to explore your congressional delegation and upcoming elections.