The Importance of Midterm Elections
The midterm elections are one of the most powerful ways you can shape the future of your community, your state, and the country.
Your Voice, Your Ballot
Voting is not just about the top of the ticket. Down-ballot races — including state legislators, judges, city councils, and ballot measures — often have the most direct influence on your daily life. These shape everything from transportation and housing policy to environmental protections and public safety.
Make a Plan to Vote
Turnout in midterm elections is typically lower than in presidential years. Make a plan ahead of time to go to your polling place or drop-box…
DO NOT SEND YOUR BALLOT BY MAIL. I don’t trust the postal system these days.
Put it in a Ballot Drop Box or go to your local polling place.
April's Ballot: 2026 Mid-term
Hi there, Manhattan Beach and other voters ~ welcome to the Great Election Adventure, June 2026!
Click on any one of the sections buttons below to jump to them right now.
This election is, to put it lightly, consequential (I’ve linked that to a thesaurus, so you can choose your own word for what we’re facing.)
Do you really want someone else to vote on your behalf? If you’re not sure how you feel about an issue or a candidate, check out the terrific voting resources page.
Note: I generally don’t comment on candidates or issues unless they are on my own ballot.
If you live in Los Angeles county, make a plan to vote here.
- Not registered? We’re lucky: California offers Same Day Voter Registration at the Polls
- If you’re mailing it, your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
- Need a replacement ballot? I never got mine for the last primary. If this happens to you, go here or call 800-815-2666. To my surprise, my ballot arrived by mail VERY quickly.
Questions about California elections?
Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Elections But Were Afraid to Ask
2026 National Candidates
2026 State Candidates
2026 Los Angeles County Candidates
2026 Los Angeles County Judges
Judges are the reason I began publishing my ballot more than 20 year ago. (For more info on this, scroll below the resources section, where I talk about my wonderful uncle, Raphael Konigsberg)
In deciding who to vote for, I solicit the opinions of very smart friends (depending on the election, this may include lawyers, judges, current and former elected officials).
I also consider the Los Angeles County Democratic Party , Stonewall Democratic Club, the Los Angeles Times Superior Court endorsements as well as the LA County Bar Association ratings, and sometimes more.
Look ~ we’re all trying to find the green button, the best candidate, the golden ticket.
But we can’t possibly know how someone will act until they’re in office. So: research. Ask friends. Consider your choices. Listen to your gut and take your best guess. Thank you.
