Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

October 25, 2026 - SAN DIEGO, CA – On Friday, Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) released a Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force report encouraging voters to cast their ballot early and outlining for the American people what to expect on Election Day, Election Night and beyond in terms of timelines for counting and announcing election results in several states with 2026 Senate elections.

With the midterm election underway in states across the country, the Senators stressed the importance of casting their ballot as early as possible. In addition, because many Americans vote by mail, the report explains it is possible that in some states – especially rural states and states where voters rely heavily on vote by mail – the outcome of the election may not be known on Election Night, which is normal and not a sign of irregularities. The report also explains that two states with Senate elections in 2026 – Alaska and Maine – have ranked choice voting. 

The Senate Democrats’ Task Force report builds on the 2024 version of the report that focused on presidential battleground states and is updated to cover 15 states with Senate contests in the 2026 midterm election: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. The report covers the early vote period, when polls close, deadlines for results, and timelines for sending, receiving, and processing mail-in and absentee ballots. 

“The Trump administration has been working to undermine Americans’ faith in our elections, but I know firsthand from running California’s elections and working with election officials around the country that American elections are safe and secure,” said Senator Padilla. “As we have seen in past cycles, and again in California’s May primary, some agitators and partisans may try to weaponize the timing of results to sow mistrust in the outcome based on changing unofficial vote totals. Our message to the American people is to tune out the noise, make your voice heard, and take pride in our democratic process. Vote early when possible. And be patient while every eligible vote is counted and certified as required by law.”

“Trump’s efforts to rig the midterms are the last gasps of a desperate and failing president,” said Leader Schumer. “His attacks on our election integrity are not just an attempt to avoid accountability from Americans fed up with his surging inflation and rampant corruption, they are also an assault on our nation’s democracy. Our Constitution is clear. Voters decide elections—not the president.Senate Democrats are fighting like hell to ensure they stay that way. Americans have the right to have their voices heard.”

“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and must be protected. That means upholding the integrity of the election process and pushing back on efforts to undermine the freedom to vote. As this report lays out, state and local election officials are prepared to ensure American voters’ voices are heard at the ballot box,”said Senator Klobuchar.

“Americans just aren’t buying Trump’s excuses anymore on the corruption and the Iran war and this election is our opportunity to take back our democracy,” said Senator Murphy. “Millions have already voted to reject Trump’s assault on our freedoms and our communities – and there’s still time for everyone to make their voice heard at the ballot box. So make a plan to vote as soon as possible. Our democracy needs all hands on deck.”

“Trump’s false claims about the integrity of our elections aren’t about election security. They’re about distracting the American people from rising costs and a failing economy under a Republican-controlled White House and Congress. But Americans aren’t buying it. Our elections are the foundation of our democracy, and despite this administration’s attempts to undermine public trust, our elections remain secure. The best way to push back against these attacks and protect our democracy is to make your voice heard and exercise your right to vote,” said Senator Heinrich.

“Exercising your right to vote is the highest, most sacred responsibility as an American citizen. No matter how desperately Donald Trump tries to sow doubt and chaos in our electoral processes, our free and fair elections and our peaceful transitions of power are two of the hallmarks that have separated America from authoritarian regimes—and it will be no different this November,” said Senator Duckworth. “Trump has made clear he’s ready and willing to deploy troops to polling places to intimidate voters, and we know he isn’t above crying that an election is ‘rigged’ because he doesn’t like the results. These authoritarian tactics are the antithesis of our democracy, and Americans cannot become discouraged and let a wanna-be dictator’s fearmongering chip away at their trust.Because the power of the people will always matter more than the people in power, and the best and only way we will remain a government of, by and for the people is by making our voices heard.”

The report is available here.

Source: Senator Alex Padilla