2026 Midterm Elections and Civic Education Program
If the ballot is one tool, then we’re building the whole toolbox.
WHO WE ARE
Survive By the Vote is a program operated by the California Equity Initiative, and it is a digital-first public education campaign that meets people where they are—delivering thoughtfully crafted curricula and content, actionable tools, and culturally-competent strategies designed to authentically engage Black and Brown voters in California’s 2026 midterm elections.
MISSION
To equip Black and Brown voters in California with the clarity and confidence to break cycles of civic disenfranchisement, and empower them with the tools to exercise their power on their own terms.
WHY NOW?
2026 is a crucial midterm year with high-stakes statewide and local elections across California (Governor, state executives, legislature, ballot measures, etc.).
DID YOU KNOW…
Midterm elections employ harsher voter suppression tactics: less media coverage, lower turnout, and more confusion about voting mechanics and polling procedures.
Every 1% increase in Black voter turnout adds tens of thousands of votes: which can flip city councils, block harmful initiatives, and elect community-aligned local officials (judges, DAs, etc.).
Misinformation disproportionately targets Black and Brown communities. A 2024 report found disinformation campaigns targeting Black online spaces may have reached over 40 million Americans (Onyx Impact).
The 2024 election revealed both the power of Black voters and the scale of targeted disinformation. Many Black voters and organizers have strategically disengaged from conventional political labor as a result--underscoring the urgent need for culturally responsive, long-term political strategy.
THE PROBLEM
Decisions are being made about Black communities without their participation or even awareness.
In 2022, only 38% of Black Californians voted in the midterms, compared to over 50% of white voters (CA Secretary of State).
This turnout gap doesn’t just impact elections—it shapes who gets clean water, safe streets, affordable housing, and access to healthcare.
THIS ISN’T APATHY
It’s the result of…
Deliberate disinformation and propaganda campaigns designed to confuse and exhaust marginalized voters.
A lack of culturally relevant, trusted political education that connects policy and government to everyday life.
A lack of culturally relevant, trusted political education that connects policy and government to everyday life.
SURVIVE BY THE VOTE SOLUTION
We’re not waiting for change from the top down, we’re building it from the ground up. By exposing how political power really works, we’re giving Black and Brown voters the knowledge, tools, and continuous engagement strategies needed to break cycles of disenfranchisement.
DELIVER culturally competent education and actionable resources to restore community trust and channels of civic engagement.
DEMYSTIFY the political process through convenient, accessible, and culturally relevant curricula.
COMBAT misinformation and voter suppression with well-researched, easy-to-understand content.
EMPOWER voters to see their impact and use it with confidence.
CAMPAIGN VALUES
CLARITY OVER COMPLEXITY
Prioritize simple, accessible messaging that cuts through confusion.
CONVENIENCE
Deliver political education through the channels people already use—social media, text, community spaces—to make civic engagement easy, familiar, and part of daily life.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SELF-ADVOCACY
Equip people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for themselves and take action on issues that affect their lives and communities.
COMBAT MISINFORMATION, DISINFORMATION, AND PROPAGANDA WITH TRUTH & TRUST
Proactively counter false narratives with credible, community-rooted information and trusted messengers.
COLLECTIVE POWER BUILDS LASTING CHANGE
Strengthen shared political capital by building a coalition that pools resources, knowledge, and relationships for long-term community impact.
EDUCATION
✔ What and Who to expect for 2026 Midterms
✔ Structure of elections
✔ Positions on ballot & what they impact
✔ California State Government Structure
✔ Government Structure
✔ California Legislative Process
RESOURCES
Candidate Scorecard
How to meet with your representatives
TAKE ACTION
Become a Partner
Become a Campaign Ambassador
Donate
Join the list and Stay Informed