Black Futures Lab Finds 95% of Black Adults Intend to Vote in 2026 Midterms

Black Futures Lab released preliminary results from the 2026 Black Census Project on November 2, 2026. The organization described the study as the largest survey of Black people in history. The initial data set includes 6,000 respondents from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The primary finding is a high level of electoral intent. Ninety-five percent of all respondents said they intend to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. This figure includes 95% of respondents under the age of 30. The Lab framed this result as a counter to narratives suggesting Black voters, particularly young people, are apathetic or disengaged.

Trust in government remains low among the surveyed population. Only 3% of respondents reported trusting the federal government. The Lab noted that this lack of trust coexists with a strong desire to participate in the democratic process. Respondents cited practical goals such as becoming debt-free, improving health, and securing affordable housing as the reasons they intend to vote.

Specific local and federal actions have recently altered the voting environment. In North Carolina, officials denied a request for an early voting site at North Carolina A&T, the nation's largest historically Black university. Students had to travel approximately 45 minutes to cast ballots. In Tarrant County, Texas, commissioners approved 224 polling locations for Election Day. This number is 92 fewer than in the 2022 midterms. Officials cited resource conservation as the reason for the cut, while voting rights groups warned the changes would affect minority populations.

The federal government has also increased oversight of election administration. In July 2026, the Department of Justice sent letters to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The letters warned officials of potential criminal liability for retaining noncitizens on voter rolls. In September, the Supreme Court maintained a temporary block on new Postal Service restrictions regarding mail ballots. These restrictions were blocked from taking effect for the November election cycle.

Black Futures Lab advised voters to verify their registration status through official state or county election offices. The group recommended that individuals confirm their current polling location rather than assuming previous sites remain open. The Lab suggested voters create a backup plan that accounts for identification requirements and transportation needs.

The organization encouraged voters to use the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, for assistance with registration or polling place issues. The Lab stated that voters should treat mail ballot deadlines as strict requirements and verify which return methods their jurisdictions permit. The group emphasized that voters should share their voting plans with at least three other people to ensure support and accountability.