Our Town: Midterm Election Results 2026
It's election night, but for a few of the people I know, it's actually the end of a season. Tonight's the night that they're victorious and can finally stop pulling crazy hours and eating clementines out of their lunchboxes at 3 pm because it's the first chance they've gotten to eat. They're done volunteering at a new nursing home and helping people who can't get out to vote be able to vote where they are, however they can show up.
They were there at the courthouse on day one, when it was the only place in the county you could cast a vote yet. This morning, they got up at 4:15 am, arrived before dawn and hauled big VOTE HERE sandwich boards to the curbs, and they're scheduled to be there until 7 pm.
It's 4 pm. It's been raining almost all day, and I am on my way to the grocery store to get a few more things to finish making a big pot of comfort food for when my husband is finally done at the polls. I decide to swing by the site he's working at, to see how things are going, and to give him a cold drink.
When I get there, I notice there's a line of cars snaking out onto the street, and a line of people outside the civic center. There's no parking at all, and I have to circle twice, but there's also a table full of voter's rights advocates sitting out in the rain, handing out butterscotch and information, and a food truck selling tortas, burritos and tacos.
As I get up to the door I hear one of the workers telling someone that there's about a 30 minute wait "at least" to vote. I can't remember the last time this was true here, and it certainly wasn't last election. They don't seem to mind. Out in the lot people seem sort of hopeful. I can't believe we have a whole ass taco truck. I am rethinking the whole dinner making thing. I manage to get in and hand him the drink by sheer force of will and knowing he might need a pick me up by now.
Meanwhile, I still have one ear on the conversation at the door. People are still being told that there's a 30 minute wait. Cars are still circling the lot looking for parking. People are coming out of the building with their stickers. The taco truck is probably making bank, and it almost seems like a festival day, save for the rain.
My husband showed up because he believes that we need to protect elections, ensure everyone is able to vote without intimidation. He did it with boots on in Iraq years ago, and this time he's got a lanyard and badge and he's doing it from inside the building as a civilian. He never gave up his mission, and I don't think he ever will. I'm proud of him in a way I can't even begin to convey in words.
I walk outside again as the line gets longer than it was when I got here, and I have to smile. Because no matter what happens - people are here, lined up to vote. My town showed up.
And we showed up with tacos.
Whatever this midterm brings, remember that the way to make change is to make your voice heard. Take action. Vote.
Don't stop. No matter what.
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