Americans are voting on Tuesday, November 3, in the 2026 midterm elections, a nationwide contest that will determine control of the US Congress and influence the final two years of President Donald Trump’s current term.
The elections are taking place across the country, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats on the ballot. Voters are also choosing governors in 36 states.
More than 59 million Americans had already cast ballots before Election Day, according to the University of Florida Voting Lab, cited by CBS News.
The results will determine whether Republicans retain their congressional majorities or Democrats gain control of one or both chambers.
More than 59 million votes cast before Election Day
Early voting has played a major role in this year’s election.
The more than 59 million ballots cast before November 3 show the scale of participation before Election Day itself. However, early-voting totals alone do not establish which party is ahead nationally or who will ultimately win control of Congress.
Polling stations opened across the country on Tuesday, with the first closures scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern Time in several states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia.
Results are expected to emerge gradually as states close their polling stations and begin reporting counts.
At the time of publication, no national winner had been declared.
Voting-machine problems reported in Georgia and New York
Election Day also brought technical problems at several polling locations.
In Fulton County, Georgia, officials reported two separate ballot-machine issues affecting approximately 1,000 early-voting ballots. One location experienced persistent paper jams, while another faced a power problem that raised concerns about possible data corruption.
County officials subsequently said they would ask the election board to rescan the affected ballots in public view.
In New York’s Westchester County, part of the competitive 17th Congressional District, ballot scanners were also reported down as polls opened.
State and local officials said every vote would be counted and urged voters not to leave polling locations simply because lines were long.
The reported incidents are localized problems. They are not evidence of widespread election fraud or a nationwide breakdown of voting systems.
Control of the House and Senate is at stake
The House of Representatives has 435 voting seats, and every one is being contested.
Democrats need to gain enough seats to reach the 218-seat majority threshold. Republicans are defending their existing majority.
The Senate contest involves 35 seats, including regular elections and special elections. The chamber’s outcome could determine which party controls confirmations, legislative negotiations and key congressional decisions.
There are also 36 gubernatorial elections, making this a major political event beyond Washington itself.
What the result could mean for Donald Trump
The midterm elections do not decide the presidency. Donald Trump is not running for president in this election.
However, the congressional result could substantially affect how he governs.
If Republicans retain control of Congress, the administration could continue working with a more favorable legislative majority.
If Democrats take control of the House, they would gain greater authority over congressional investigations, hearings and oversight of the administration.
A change in Senate control would also affect legislation and the confirmation of senior government officials.
The election therefore represents a major test of the political balance in Washington, even though the president will remain in office regardless of the congressional outcome.
When will the results become clear?
The first polling stations began closing at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, with other states closing later according to their local schedules.
Because the United States spans multiple time zones and many races are closely contested, the final balance of power may not be known immediately.
Vote counting, mail ballots and state-specific election procedures can delay the declaration of winners.
For now, the key facts are clear: Americans are voting, more than 59 million had already voted early, technical issues have been reported in some locations, and control of Congress remains undecided.
The outcome of November 3 could reshape the political landscape in Washington and determine how much legislative power President Trump has during the remainder of his term.
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