r/moderatepolitics • • 6d ago

Discussion 2026 Midterm Voting Guide: Registration, Early Voting, Mail Ballots & Election Day!

42 Upvotes

Hey r/moderatepolitics!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026! Voting rules and deadlines vary by state, so here are some official resources to help you make a plan to vote!

Quick reminders:

  • Early voting is already underway in many states!
  • Voting by mail? Check your deadlines and return your ballot early.
  • Not sure you're registered? It only takes a moment to check!

1. Make Sure You're Registered

It's worth checking even if you've voted before, especially if you've moved or changed your name.

Many registration deadlines have passed, but some states still allow registration during early voting or on Election Day!

Turning 18 by November 3? You may be eligible to vote if you're a U.S. citizen and meet your state's other requirements.

2. Pick How You'll Vote

Vote early, in person!

Early voting is already open in many states, sometimes with evening and weekend hours.

NASS – Early Voting by State

Vote by mail / absentee ballot

USA.gov – Absentee & Mail Voting

  • Request your ballot soon if your state requires an application.
  • Follow the instructions and sign where required.
  • Return it early! Check your state's deadline for returning ballots. USPS recommends mailing at least a week before your ballot must arrive. Short on time? Check for official drop boxes or in-person return options.
  • Track your ballot! Many states offer online ballot tracking.

Military or overseas voter? Visit FVAP.gov.

Vote on Election Day!

Tuesday, November 3! Polling hours vary by state, so double-check before heading out.

3. Know Before You Go

  • Where to vote: NASS – Find Your Polling Place. Locations can change, and early-voting sites may differ from Election Day sites.
  • What ID to bring: NASS – ID Requirements by State. You don't need your voter registration card, but some voters, including certain first-time voters, may need ID.
  • What's on your ballot: Many local election offices provide sample ballots online so you can see the races and measures before voting.

4. Good to Know at the Polls

  • In line when polls close? Stay in line! If you're already in line when the polls close, you can still vote!
  • Name not on the voter list? Ask a poll worker about a provisional ballot or other options available in your state.
  • Need assistance? Voters with disabilities have the right to accessible voting and can request help.

5. Questions or Problems?

Your state or local election office is the best place for official answers.

The nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline can also help:

  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
  • Español: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
  • Asian languages: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
  • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)

Your vote is your voice! Voting is one of the most important ways to have a say in the issues that affect your community and your future.

Make a plan, get out there, and cast your vote!

Please share this guide with friends, family, or anyone who might find it helpful!

See you at the polls!

Prepared by u/How2Vote | Nonpartisan voter information


r/moderatepolitics • • 1d ago

News Article Trump says he will ban term artificial intelligence

207 Upvotes

https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-he-will-ban-term-artificial-intelligence-2026-10-27/

President Trump has announced his intention to ban the term “artificial intelligence” from official documents and other relevant communications, arguing that the phrase is inaccurate. Instead, he wants the technology to be called “super intelligence,” abbreviated as SI.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump criticized The Wall Street Journal for continuing to use the term artificial intelligence. According to him, “super intelligence” is a more accurate description and asserted that "virtually everyone else" is using that term. Trump also stated that the government would officially prohibit the use of “AI” and “artificial intelligence” in relevant documents and other materials in the near future.

The announcement builds on Trump's earlier efforts to change how the technology is described. In September 2026, he said U.S. government documents would begin using “super intelligence” instead of “artificial intelligence.” His administration has presented the terminology change as a more accurate way to describe the technology's capabilities and potential.

The proposal also comes amid a broader national debate over AI development, regulation, and safety. Trump has generally supported rapid AI advancement, arguing that excessive government regulation could undermine American innovation and competitiveness, particularly in relation to China. At the same time, concerns about AI-related risks, cybersecurity, and the technology's broader societal effects have prompted calls for stronger safeguards.

The article does not provide details about how a comprehensive ban would be implemented, which documents or organizations would be covered, or what penalties might apply. It also does not establish that the proposed ban has already taken effect.

Personally, I have yet to see anyone using the term "SI" outside of the Trump administration, so I'm a bit puzzled as to where he's getting this idea that "virtually everyone else" is using his preferred term. I also question why this is such an important subject for the POTUS to be dedicating time and energy into. The idea that everyone is going to pivot and begin calling AI "super intelligence" seems far fetched to me, and in the end, what difference does it really make?


r/moderatepolitics • • 1d ago

News Article As millions of kids lose SNAP food benefits, free school meals are also at risk

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139 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 1d ago

News Article Democrats Release 50-Page Report on Trump’s Epstein Files Cover-Up

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403 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 7h ago

News Article Inside Democrats’ Secret Effort to Stack Alaska’s Midterm Ballot With Another Dan Sullivan

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0 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 2d ago

News Article Trump considers Orbán as UN chief, WSJ reports

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157 Upvotes

Officials in the Trump administration are reportedly advocating for former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to become the next United Nations secretary-general. The Wall Street Journal indicates that the United States, Russia, and China could jointly support his candidacy to succeed António Guterres. 

Orbán lost power in the April elections after sixteen years of governing, and authorities are now investigating several of his former ministers for fraud and corruption. Investigative reports suggest a United Nations position is highly sought after because it would provide Orbán with diplomatic immunity amidst these domestic investigations.

The nomination requires support from at least nine of the fifteen Security Council members and faces potential vetoes from permanent members, with Poland and Ukraine already expressing strong opposition to his potential candidacy.

What are the broader implications for international diplomacy and the world order if the United States, Russia, and China align to back a joint candidate for United Nations secretary-general?

Is it smart for Trump to alienate our closest allies in his overtures to hostile authoritarian regimes like China and Russia? What could be the motive for this cooperation?

How should international governing bodies navigate nominations where the candidate might be seeking the role primarily to secure diplomatic immunity from domestic fraud and corruption investigations?


r/moderatepolitics • • 2d ago

News Article Brazil's left-wing President Lula elected for fourth term

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208 Upvotes

President Lula won a fourth term in Brazil's October 2026 presidential runoff, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula received approximately 51% of the vote to Bolsonaro's 48%, overcoming a vote deficit from the election's first round.

The election took place amid significant political polarization and logistical issues. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued an order extending nationwide voting by two hours. This followed reports from Lula's campaign regarding reduced public transport and reports from Bolsonaro's campaign about heavy rains affecting southern polling stations.

The candidates' platforms differed, with Lula emphasizing social initiatives, and Bolsonaro campaigning on closer ties with Trump and pledging to pardon his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election defeat. Bolsonaro Jr has indicated intentions to legally challenge the election results.

When his new term begins in January 2027, Lula will face the task of governing a divided electorate alongside a Congress where Bolsonaro's party recently gained seats.

How do you feel about these election results? How do you think they will affect Brazil-US ties?


r/moderatepolitics • • 3d ago

News Article Obama blames Trump for voter frustrations in the first of two midterm rallies

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169 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 4d ago

News Article Trump doubles down on defending Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad against Amy Acton

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341 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 5d ago

News Article Trump administration sues to block possible Dem win in Alaska Senate race

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330 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 5d ago

News Article AIPAC halts candidate endorsements amid US backlash against Israel

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197 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 6d ago

News Article Meet the researchers leaving the US because of Trump's funding cuts and politicization of science

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195 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 5d ago

Weekend General Discussion - October 23, 2026

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone, and welcome to the weekly General Discussion thread. Many of you are looking for an informal place (besides Discord) to discuss non-political topics that would otherwise not be allowed in this community. Well... ask, and ye shall receive.

General Discussion threads will be posted every Friday and stickied for the duration of the weekend.

Law 0 is suspended. All other community rules still apply.

As a reminder, the intent of these threads are for *casual discussion* with your fellow users so we can bridge the political divide. Comments arguing over individual moderation actions or attacking individual users are *not* allowed.


r/moderatepolitics • • 7d ago

News Article Trump Says 'No Money' Going to Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Victims' Claims if GOP Loses Midterm Elections

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451 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 7d ago

News Article Vance says he’s ‘disgusted’ by GOP pushback to Ramaswamy ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother

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383 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 8d ago

News Article Trump administration holds up Patriot missiles for Ukraine

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340 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 9d ago

Opinion Article Congress Must Investigate Trump’s Aid and Comfort to Putin

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443 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 11d ago

News Article Russia and US May Announce Joint Data Center Projects, Kremlin Envoy Says

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355 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 11d ago

News Article Trump waives Russian sanctions outlined in Graham Act before they take effect

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499 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 12d ago

Weekend General Discussion - October 16, 2026

6 Upvotes

Hello everyone, and welcome to the weekly General Discussion thread. Many of you are looking for an informal place (besides Discord) to discuss non-political topics that would otherwise not be allowed in this community. Well... ask, and ye shall receive.

General Discussion threads will be posted every Friday and stickied for the duration of the weekend.

Law 0 is suspended. All other community rules still apply.

As a reminder, the intent of these threads are for *casual discussion* with your fellow users so we can bridge the political divide. Comments arguing over individual moderation actions or attacking individual users are *not* allowed.


r/moderatepolitics • • 13d ago

News Article New evidence debunks Talarico psych hospital rumor after ‘mind-numbing malpractice’ fuels firestorm

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319 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 13d ago

News Article Wholesale inflation surged in September, keeping affordability in focus ahead of the midterms

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176 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 14d ago

News Article September CPI report shows inflation accelerated to 3.7% as energy costs soared

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309 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 15d ago

News Article White House has asked Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign, new Trump press secretary says

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340 Upvotes

r/moderatepolitics • • 16d ago

News Article Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home searched by federal agents in criminal probe

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369 Upvotes