Polling places opened across the United States on Tuesday as voters cast ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress and include races for governor and state ballot measures. (Foto: Instagram)
The first polling places in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections opened in Vermont at 7:15 a.m. Brasília time on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voting sites opened at 8 a.m. in Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, New York and Virginia. The election will determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate.
More than 58 million early votes had been recorded nationwide, according to an analysis by the University of Florida. That total was substantially higher than the number of early votes cast in the previous midterm elections, in 2022. In addition to the House and Senate races, voters are choosing among candidates for 36 governorships, while 35 Senate seats are up for election.
Voters are also deciding ballot measures across the country. The proposals cover a range of issues, from election administration to access to abortion. The contests and ballot questions are taking place as President Donald Trump’s administration faces a period of significant political strain.
Trump’s approval rating has fallen amid the prolonged war with Iran and rising costs of living, according to the report. Republicans are seeking to hold their majorities in both chambers of Congress despite mounting challenges nationwide. Those challenges include an affordability crisis linked to the Iran war, a broad trade war and an immigration crackdown described as violent.
The crackdown resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents, according to the report. Trump’s approval ratings have also reached historically low levels. These issues have weighed on the Republican Party as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress.
Democrats need to gain four Senate seats to secure a 51-seat majority, and at least 218 House seats to take back that chamber. The Senate contests are expected to be close, particularly in races for open seats. In the House, Democrats are considered well positioned to win a majority; election projections put their chances above 90%. Estimates also give Democrats an advantage in the Senate, though that contest is expected to be tighter.
