NASS and NASED Issue Joint Statement Ahead of the 2026 General Election

For Immediate Release
November 2, 2026

Washington, D.C. —The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) issue the following joint statement on the eve of the November 3, 2026, General Election:

“NASS and NASED are proud to represent the Chief Election Officials and dedicated public servants in election offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five US territories. State and local election officials are ready to facilitate a safe and secure 2026 General Election that all Americans can rely on.

A successful election requires year-round planning, coordination, and readiness. State and local election officials prepare extensively for every Election Day, but routine operational challenges may arise, such as voting locations opening late, delays during voter check-in, or technology outages. Election officials take these issues seriously and have trained and prepared contingencies to address them as needed. Americans can have confidence that the November 3 election is secure and the results will be counted accurately.

The work of election administration does not end when polls close. Election night results are always unofficial. On election night, races are called by the media, not election officials. In the days and weeks to come, election officials will count every eligible ballot, including provisional ballots, mail ballots, and ballots cast by military and overseas voters. Accurately counting millions of ballots takes time. Some races will be close and may require additional review, such as a recount or recanvass, according to the election laws of the state or territory. Many election officials will also conduct audits to confirm that the results accurately reflect the ballots cast and to provide additional confidence. This is completed carefully and in accordance with state and territorial law. 

We encourage eligible voters who have not already cast their ballots to do so tomorrow. Voters should look to their state and local election officials for accurate information about the election process.”

For information on voting in your state, visit CanIVote.org, NASS’s nonpartisan voter information website that links directly to official state election resources. 

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NASS Media Contact:

John Milhofer, Director of Research and Public Affairs
jmilhofer@nass.org | 202-624-3529 |www.nass.org

NASED Media Contact:

Amy Cohen, Executive Director

acohen@nased.org | 240-801-6029 | www.nased.org