Ahead of the US midterm elections, the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) has called upon Ukrainian Americans and friends of Ukraine to check their voter registration status, examine candidates' positions regarding Ukraine, organize meetings with them, and continue advocacy efforts after voting. The midterm elections will take place on November 3, 2026; Americans will elect members of Congress as well as state and local officials.
This was reported by the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS), the Washington-based public affairs bureau of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).
UNIS views the upcoming elections not merely as a day to cast a ballot, but as an opportunity for the Ukrainian community to strengthen its participation in American civic life and to convey issues of importance to Ukraine and Ukrainians in the US to the candidates.
UNIS identifies voter registration—or verifying the validity of existing registration—as the first step for eligible US citizens. This is particularly important for those who have moved, changed their name, recently acquired US citizenship, or experienced other changes to their registration details.
Rules vary by state; registration deadlines, procedures for early and mail-in voting, documentation requirements, and polling place locations are determined primarily at the state and local levels. To check current requirements, UNIS recommends using official election resources and Vote.gov.
The organization places special emphasis on ensuring that Ukrainian Americans familiarize themselves with candidates' positions in advance. UNIS advises against relying solely on political advertisements or social media posts, urging voters instead to analyze the politicians' past actions, statements, and priorities.
Civic organizations are encouraged to invite candidates—representing the entire political spectrum, not just those with existing ties to Ukrainian groups—to meetings with the Ukrainian community and public forums.
Voters are advised to ask specific questions during these meetings. Instead of a general "Do you support Ukraine?", UNIS suggests asking exactly what policies regarding Ukraine the candidate is prepared to support if elected.
Suggested topics include U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, accountability for war crimes, the return of abducted Ukrainian children, the country's reconstruction, and long-term U.S.-Ukraine relations.
To facilitate this, UNIS has developed a non-partisan questionnaire for candidates, presenting the same set of questions to every politician. The organization believes that publishing the responses will allow voters to compare the candidates' stated positions.
However, UNIS emphasizes that the Ukrainian community's advocacy work should not end on November 3. Following the announcement of the results, organizations are encouraged to establish contact with newly elected officials, arrange meetings, and provide them with information about the Ukrainian constituents in their respective districts.
"Election day must mark the beginning of advocacy," emphasizes the Ukrainian National Information Service.
Photo: Getty Images
Author: Inna Mikhno