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Your guide to the 2026 midterm elections: Everything you need to know about when voting closes and when we can expect the results
Millions of Americans are due to vote in the 2026 midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress and could shape the remainder of Donald Trump’s presidency. Democrats are hoping to overcome Republican control of both chambers, while Republicans dispute polling that points to a Democratic surge.
Polls begin closing at 6pm Eastern Time and the final ones close at 1am, after which counting will continue. Democrats need to gain four Republican-held Senate seats to take control of that chamber, and three seats in the House; governor contests are also being decided.
In short
- Midterms could shift control of Congress.
- Democrats need four Senate seats and three House seats.
- Polls close between 6pm and 1am Eastern Time.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats can argue that voters should give their party control of Congress to provide a check on the president and advance its priorities, particularly if current polling reflects broad dissatisfaction with Republican rule. Winning the Senate and House would let Democrats shape legislation and oversight for the remainder of the term.
The case against
Republicans can argue that retaining Congress would let the government carry out the agenda voters chose when they elected the president, rather than risk legislative gridlock or a reversal of its policies. They also have reason to question whether polls showing a Democratic surge will translate into votes, and to ask voters to judge their record at the ballot box.
Explained simply
US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters choose all 435 members of the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate, as well as governors and other state officials in some places.
The House and Senate make federal laws and approve government spending, while the Senate also confirms many presidential appointments. A party that controls either chamber can influence which proposals advance and how the administration is scrutinised.
Election rules and polling hours vary by state, so results arrive at different times. Votes are counted after polls close, and close contests may take longer to call.