Voter Turnout Hits 60 Percent in 2026 Midterm Elections

Voter turnout for the 2026 midterm elections ranged from 57 to 70 percent across several U.S. counties. In Multnomah County, Oregon, Tim Scott reported that more than 115,000 ballots were returned on Election Day, with final turnout projected to reach approximately 70 percent. This cycle marked the first time Multnomah County implemented ranked choice voting for candidate contests, with final certification expected by November 30.

In Buncombe County, North Carolina, turnout reached nearly 60 percent, with 131,897 total ballots cast. The total included 97,038 early votes, 30,317 Election Day votes, and 4,542 absentee ballots. Results remain unofficial pending a public sample audit on November 9 and a county canvass on November 13.

Meanwhile, the Athens County Board of Elections in Ohio reported unofficial turnout of approximately 57 percent, with 20,572 registered voters casting ballots. Democratic candidates saw significant success in state and federal races, and voters approved a state constitutional amendment requiring photo ID for in-person voting. While school levies for Athens City and Alexander Local Schools passed, a countywide levy for the Athens City-County Health Department was defeated.