The violent kidnappings of people on the street, the impossible cost of living, the inadequate access to healthcare and the nation’s overall direction towards dictatorship fall amongst the common concerns of the American people. With an urge for change many have resorted to protesting, holding their city and state officials accountable and boycotting companies that support and donate to these causes. Yet many are gearing up to the loudest form of protest occurring later this year, the midterm elections.
In the 2024 Presidential election, there was a 47% youth voter turnout. Although greater than the 2016 election, it was lower than the 2020 election. In recent years, youth (ages 18-29) have retreated from casting their ballots. No matter if it’s a town election or country election, many step back due to feeling like they have inadequate knowledge, fear of politics and being too busy. This is why it is vital we provide simplified ways for youth to vote in this upcoming election.
Nov. 3, 2026 will mark an almost halfway, two-year term for President Donald Trump. With this midway date approaching, so are the midterm elections. These elections determine which political party controls the House of Representatives and Senate, ultimately shaping the legislative branch and influencing the administration’s ability to pass policies. In this way, midterms give citizens a direct voice in the direction of the federal government.
Before the general election takes place, voters first participate in primary elections. During primaries, each party selects one candidate to represent them in the November election. Depending on the state, these elections can take place as early as March or as late as September.
Across the nation exist three different types of voting: closed primaries, open primaries and semi-closed primaries. In closed primaries, voters may only vote for the candidates within the political party they are registered with. Open primaries allow voters to choose a party ballot regardless of political affiliation. Semi-closed primaries permit independent voters, or those without a political affiliation, to choose which party’s primary they would like to participate in.
How to vote:
In California, people must meet certain requirements to vote. You must be a United States citizen, a California Resident, at least 18 years of age on election day and not deemed mentally incompetent by the ward of court to vote. Voters must be registered 15 days before Election Day. If the deadline has passed, Same Day Voter Registration is available at designated voting locations.
Although you must be 18 to officially vote, 16 and 17-year-olds may pre-register. Their registration will automatically activate once they turn 18.
Californians can register online or request a paper voter registration application by mail. It is important to regularly check your registration status and pre-register if your resident or mailing address changes, you change your name or political party choice.
Voting can occur in three different ways. Mailing your postmarked ballot to your county’s election office, dropped off at an official ballot drop box (usually available throughout your county 30 days before the election), or vote in-person, either weeks in advance or on election day at the voting center.
Deadlines:
For California’s June 2, 2026 primary election, the last day to register to vote is May 18, 2026. Primary election dates vary by state. Some states, such as Arkansas and Texas, begin as early as March 3, while others, including Delaware, hold primaries as late as Sept. 15. Registered voters typically receive their mail-in ballots several weeks before the election.
Resources:
Delhi Center will serve as a voting location beginning May 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Similarly, the Jerome Center will operate during those same hours with an option for drive-thru ballot drop offs.
The OC Registrar of Voters is the hub for all things voting. From finding the nearest vote center or ballot drop box near you to tracking your ballot, they are the perfect resource for any first-time voters or inexperienced voters.
Community Voice:
Furthermore, acting as one of the voting centers during the election, Latino Health Access (LHA) has been a part of building a community of empowered youth. From youth groups to social media campaigns, they work diligently to ensure the spread of resources, creating a ripple effect across Santa Ana. Stella Partida, Youth Lead at Latino Health Access, speaks on LHA’s voting initiatives.
“Latino Health Access supports youth voices by creating leadership programs, youth policy campaign teams and community projects where young people help plan activities, share their perspectives and lead outreach. Partida said. “Youth are encouraged to speak up about issues affecting their schools and communities, and their feedback is used to shape different projects and campaigns.”
In addition, LHA’s youth group, Jovenes Unidos, meets weekly to create and work on projects led by their youth.
“We support peer-to-peer outreach and youth-led media campaigns using educational videos,” Partida said. “Youth leaders have helped create social media content and presentations breaking down the registration and voting process so it feels less intimidating.”
And in a period in time where youth disregard the impact of their voice, LHA continues to educate youth on the transformation that can occur for issues that directly impact them.
“We connect midterm elections to real issues that they are directly impacted by such as school funding, mental health services, housing and community programs,” Partida said. “During our youth meetings, we aim to discuss how local and state leaders make decisions that directly affect their daily lives.”
These initiatives come from Partida and the rest of the Youth Lead team who have observed what kinds of obstacles have come into play, preventing youth from casting their ballots.
“Common barriers include lack of information, language barriers and confusion about the voting process and feeling like their vote doesn’t matter,” Partida said. “We address these by providing clear information, multilingual resources and outreach that emphasizes how youth voices can influence change.”
Santa Ana High School senior, Melissa Benitez, weighs in on preparation in being a future voter. She shares what will help her and hopefully others be more informed voters.
“To be further prepared to vote on the upcoming midterm elections, more knowledge on political officials would help when it comes to voting so then I am aware of what values they have and what they would stand for,” Benitez said. “There are many people who do not register to vote or vote at all because they are unaware of who these political officials are and what they represent.”
Benitez also discusses issues she sees affecting her community and why civic participation is especially important.
“Right now the issue that calls out is underrepresentation of Latinos and immigration policies being violated,” Benitez said. “I believe if we become more aware of how these political officials can come to represent us and help our communities, then there will be more people voting.”
As social media continues to rapidly spread news and information, many people learn about candidates and key election issues online. Nova Academy junior, Kaden Leyva, explains how he sees the role social media plays in these important times.
“Social media often amplifies the importance of midterms but also oversimplifies the issues as it has big headlines or memes instead of complete information,” Leyva said. “This makes teens more aware of elections but sometimes leaves them confused or misinformed about the details. but it boosts engagement that can make understanding politics feel overwhelming.”
With deadlines and important decisions approaching, it is essential to remain calm and informed. Political anxiety and election stress can make voting feel overwhelming, but preparation makes a difference. Research candidates understand the issues and create a plan for casting your ballot. Every voice matters, and your voice matters.
