US midterm voting opens with control of Congress at stake
Americans have begun voting in midterm elections for the entire House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships. More than 57 million people cast early ballots. Republicans enter election day during Donald Trump’s presidency holding both congressional chambers, while Democrats campaign on living costs and opposition to the Iran war. State polling schedules differ, and voting continues with no results yet declared.
Geopolitics··Evening
Voters choose a new House and 35 senators
Election-day voting has begun in the United States. Americans are casting ballots in the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, with polling hours set separately by each state. The contests will determine the composition of Congress for the remaining part of President Donald Trump’s term. More than 57 million Americans had already voted early.[1], [2]
In the US, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested, together with 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats. Voters in 36 states are also choosing governors. Voting was still under way in the account of the polls opening, with no winner declared or definitive congressional result reported.[1]
Republicans defend their majorities in Congress
Republicans entered election day holding 53 Senate seats. Democrats and independents who caucus with them held 47. In the House, the Republican majority rested on a four-seat margin. In the US, those starting positions frame the struggle for control of the two chambers, while the election-day ballots add to votes already cast through early-voting arrangements.[1]
Democrats campaigned on living costs and opposition to the Iran war. Republican candidates sought support from their loyal voters, with the races also testing support for Trump. Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas were among the states drawing attention in Senate election coverage. No final outcomes in those contests were reported.[1]
New York officials address ballot-scanner problems
In Westchester County, New York, problems were reported with ballot scanners at some polling places after voting began. New York Attorney General Letitia James said officials were monitoring the issue and working with state and local election boards. She told voters that they could safely complete and submit their ballots at their polling locations and that their votes would count.[1]
