Polling stations have opened across the United States for the 2026 midterm elections, with voters deciding who will control Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.
The elections, taking place on Tuesday, November 3, will determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the 100-member Senate. Voters in 36 states will also elect governors.
The first polling stations opened in Vermont at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with voting beginning at different times across the country.
According to “BBC News“, the elections could shape the remainder of Trump’s presidency by determining whether Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress or Democrats gain a majority in either chamber.
Control of Congress at stake
Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Democrats are seeking to gain enough seats to take control of the chambers and increase their influence over federal legislation.
All 435 voting seats in the House are being contested, while the Senate election includes 33 regular contests and two special elections.
The balance of power matters because both chambers play key roles in passing federal legislation, approving government spending and overseeing the executive branch.
A Democratic majority in either chamber would give the party greater power to scrutinise the administration, hold congressional investigations and challenge parts of Trump’s legislative agenda.
“Al Jazeera reported” that more than 57 million Americans had already cast early ballots ahead of Election Day, with significant participation recorded in several closely contested states.
Trump’s presidency faces a midterm test
The elections are widely being viewed as a measure of public opinion on Trump’s presidency and the direction of his administration.
Key campaign issues include the cost of living, immigration, tariffs, the economy and the administration’s foreign policy, including its position on Iran.
The outcome could affect the administration’s ability to advance legislation, secure congressional support for its policies and confirm senior government appointments.
Historically, the party controlling the White House has often lost seats during midterm elections. However, the results will depend on the individual contests across the country.
Results expected after polls close
Voting hours vary by state, meaning results will emerge at different times as polling stations close and ballots are counted.
Some closely contested races may take longer to resolve, particularly where margins are narrow or recounts become necessary.
The elections will not determine the presidency, as Trump is serving a four-year term that runs until January 2029. However, the new congressional composition will influence the political environment in which his administration operates.
The results will therefore determine whether Republicans retain their current congressional majorities or Democrats gain greater legislative and oversight influence during the remaining two years of Trump’s term.
