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Live updates: Midterms in full swing in final hours before polls close
Developing story first seen 5 hours ago
Americans voted on 3 November in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, alongside governors’ races in 36 states. More than 59 million people had voted early, according to figures cited by CBS News, before polling stations opened for the final day. Both parties were watching competitive races across the country as the first polls began to close.
The outcome will shape how easily Trump can advance his agenda and how much power Democrats have to scrutinise his administration. The cost of living has been a prominent concern for voters, while campaigns have also argued over immigration and the president’s record. Results will arrive at different times as states close their polls and count ballots under their own rules. A close race for either chamber may take days to resolve, so early returns should not be treated as a final verdict.
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In short
- Voters are deciding control of the House and Senate.
- More than 59 million Americans voted early.
- Close races may leave control of Congress unresolved on election night.
How this story developed
- 13 minutes ago Americans voted on 3 November in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, alongside governors’ races in 36 states.
- CBS News 2026 midterm elections live updates as Americans vote in battle for Senate and House control
- The Intercept Polls Close in Maine as Democrats Make Final Push to Oust Sen. Susan Collins
- The Hill Live updates: Midterms in full swing in final hours before polls close
- DW US midterms: Democrat wins North Carolina as first polls close
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 many state and local officials; each state runs its own election and counts its ballots under its own rules.
Congress has two chambers: the House, where seats are allocated by population, and the Senate, where each state has two senators. The party that controls a chamber can influence legislation and government oversight, so these elections affect how readily President Donald Trump can pursue his plans and how closely Congress examines his administration.
Voters may also choose governors, who lead state governments. Household costs, immigration and the president’s record have featured in campaigns, and results can take time to settle because polls close and ballots are counted at different times across the country.
Coverage · 4 sources
- The HillRightLive updates: Midterms in full swing in final hours before polls close
- CBS News2026 midterm elections live updates as Americans vote in battle for Senate and House control
- The InterceptPolls Close in Maine as Democrats Make Final Push to Oust Sen. Susan Collins
- DWUS midterms: Democrat wins North Carolina as first polls close
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