Democrats shift toward in-person voting for 2026 midterms

An NBC News poll indicates a shift in voting preferences among Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. According to the survey, only 23 percent of registered Democrats plan to vote by mail, a decrease from 34 percent at a similar point in the 2024 campaign.

In contrast, interest in in-person voting is rising. Approximately 36 percent of Democrats intend to use early in-person voting sites, representing a six-point increase from two years ago. Another 36 percent plan to vote on Election Day, which remains consistent with 2024 figures.

The poll also noted shifts among independent voters, with mail-in voting plans dropping to 25 percent from 28 percent in 2024, while early in-person voting plans rose to 28 percent. Republican voting patterns remained largely consistent with previous cycles, with 16 percent planning to vote by mail, 26 percent early in person, and 53 percent on Election Day.