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Americans head to the polls on Election Day as Trump’s power is on the line: Live updates
Developed over time first seen 1 day ago
New reports from Election Day describe voting machine problems in New York, polling station relocations in Florida and disruptions at polling sites in Texas, adding to uncertainty as Americans vote in closely watched midterms. The races could change control of Congress and affect President Donald Trump’s ability to advance his agenda.
In Westchester County, officials said ballots rejected by scanners because of the paper’s thickness would be kept in line and taken under police escort to a counting facility, with both parties represented. Maine Senator Susan Collins’s office was marked with fake blood and protest graffiti; in Michigan and Alaska, some voters said they were switching party allegiance. Democrats need four Republican-held Senate seats or three House seats to take control, and polls were due to close between 6pm and 1am Eastern time.
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In short
- Ballot scanners malfunctioned in New York’s Westchester County.
- Polling disruptions were reported in several states.
- Control of Congress is at stake.
How this story developed
- 1 day ago US voters are casting ballots in midterm elections that could shift control of Congress and affect President Donald Trump’s ability to advance his agenda.
- 1 day ago New reports from Election Day describe voting machine problems in New York, polling station relocations in Florida and disruptions at polling sites in Texas, adding to uncertainty as Americans vote in closely watched midterms.
Where outlets differ
Left-leaning outlets 1
Only here: midterm, elections, seen, referendum
Centre outlets 1
Only here: america, heads, fights, protect, agenda
Right-leaning outlets 1
Only here: election, power, line
Every side used: polls, trump
Headline columns compared word for word; nothing in them is AI-written.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A change in Congress could give voters a meaningful check on the president and a chance to redirect national policy through their elected representatives. Those favouring Democratic gains may see the election as a way to scrutinise the administration, debate its agenda and respond to concerns reflected in expectations of a competitive vote.
The case against
Keeping or increasing Republican control could help the president carry out policies voters supported when electing him, avoiding legislative obstruction and giving the administration a clearer mandate. Those favouring that outcome may argue that voters should judge the agenda through the scheduled elections and that control of Congress should reflect their choice, rather than expectations based on polling.
Explained simply
Midterm elections take place halfway through a US president’s four-year term. Voters choose all members of the House of Representatives and some senators, as well as state officials such as governors; Congress makes federal laws and approves government spending.
The two main parties are the Republicans, led nationally by President Donald Trump, and the Democrats. Control of either chamber of Congress can affect how readily a president’s plans pass and how Congress oversees the administration.
Senators serve six-year terms and House members serve two-year terms, so only some Senate seats are contested at each midterm. State rules shape how votes are cast and counted, and official results can take time to emerge.
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