After the 2026 elections: when your civics answers change

Federal law sets Election Day for Congress on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years, which in 2026 is November 3. If your citizenship interview is after the election, some of your civics answers may be different from the ones you studied. USCIS says to answer with the name of the official serving on the day of your interview.

Our civics test guide covers the whole test. This article covers only the answers that elections can change.

Which answers can change?

On the 2025 civics test, these questions depend on who holds office:

If you take the 2008 test, the same kinds of questions apply, with different numbers.

When do the new officials take office?

Senators and representatives. Under the 20th Amendment, a new Congress begins at noon on January 3, unless Congress sets a different day by law. In 2027, January 3 falls on a Sunday, so check the date closer to January. Until the new members are sworn in, the current ones are still the right answer.

Governors. Each state sets its own date for a new governor to take office. Check your state's official website.

The Speaker. The House chooses its Speaker. If it chooses someone new, the answer changes from that day.

How do I find my answers?

1. Use our free local answers tool. It looks up your senators, representative, governor, and state capital from your address.
2. Check USCIS's test updates page shortly before your interview. It lists answers that may have changed.
3. Look at the official sources USCIS points to: senate.gov for senators, house.gov for representatives, and usa.gov for governors.