Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections: to shape Trump's final two years

Polls are open across the country on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as voters head to the polls in a critical midterm election that will determine the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The Associated Press describes this contest as a referendum on the administration, with many Americans struggling with high prices and expressing anger over an unpopular war with Iran. More than 57 million people had already cast their ballots as of Monday, surpassing early voting numbers from four years ago in many closely watched states. The outcome will decide which party controls the U.S. House and Senate, a dynamic that could trigger investigations and potential impeachment proceedings if Democrats secure a majority in either chamber.

The stakes for the U.S. House are high, with all 435 seats up for grabs. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, while Democrats hold 214, with one independent and some vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to achieve a majority, whereas Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. Sixty incumbents, including 23 Democrats and 37 Republicans, are not running again, opening the door for challengers in competitive districts. There are 46 battleground districts, with 25 currently held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. Notably, 21 districts held by Democrats voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, while nine Republican-held districts voted for Kamala Harris, indicating a complex landscape where partisan lines do not always align with presidential preferences.

In the U.S. Senate, 35 seats are on the ballot, including 33 regular elections and two special elections for the remainder of the terms held by Marco Rubio in Florida and JD Vance in Ohio. Republicans hold 53 seats, Democrats 45, and two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats require a net gain of four seats to take control, a hurdle that requires winning in states where Republicans currently hold significant advantages. Eleven senators, four Democrats and seven Republicans, are not seeking reelection. The AP highlights several key matchups, including North Carolina, where Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper faces former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff faces Representative Mike Collins, while in Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown challenges Senator Jon Husted. The AP notes that economic strain and tariffs have made Maine competitive, where Senator Susan Collins faces Troy Jackson.

The mood among Democrats is described as cautiously optimistic, with party leaders emphasizing the need for change. DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene stated, "The American people are angry. They want change." This sentiment is echoed by voters who feel the weight of rising costs. James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, shared his frustration, saying, "I'm paying more taxes. I'm paying more for my healthcare. I'm paying more for everything." House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would become the first Black speaker if Democrats win the House, has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight of the administration. This platform aims to address the immediate financial pressures facing many households while holding the executive branch accountable.

Republicans are bracing for potential losses in the House and are fighting to maintain their Senate majority. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized the importance of turnout, stating, "Everything depends on turnout. If we turn out our voters, we win, and that's what we've been planning for." The AP notes that one or two seats could tip either chamber, making every vote count. President Trump held dozens of rallies to energize his base, ending Sunday in Salina, Kansas, where he urged voters to "pretend I'm on the ballot." His schedule included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas, though many Republican candidates kept a degree of distance from the president during the campaign. Trump has continued to make claims about voting fraud, including that noncitizens vote in large numbers, which has led to legal battles in Alaska and California.

Financial resources have played a significant role in this election, with the 2026 contests likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees at the committee level, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. An AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more. This spending strategy reflects an effort to consolidate support in strongholds, while Democrats focus on competitive races where every dollar and vote could determine the outcome.

Governor races are also a key component of the national landscape, with 36 governorships up for election. Republicans currently hold 26 governorships and Democrats 24. Of the races on the ballot, each party holds 18 offices. Nineteen of these races have no incumbent on the ballot, with 15 governors term-limited and others choosing not to run. Democrats would need a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a feat they have not accomplished since 2010. The AP identifies Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin as battlegrounds. In Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson faces Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy faces Democrat Amy Acton, a race that has seen some controversy over campaign advertising.

Voters are also navigating the impact of new congressional maps in six states: California, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Ohio is also using a new map. These changes, resulting from mid-decade redistricting, have altered the political landscape in several key districts. While Republicans hoped these new maps would help them beat the typical midterm pattern of losing seats, new districts in Florida and elsewhere may not vote as drawn. This uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the election, as candidates and parties assess how these new boundaries affect their chances of success.

The administration has faced legal challenges regarding election procedures. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan intended to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters and infringes on states' authority over elections. Additionally, a judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time, addressing concerns about delays in processing votes.

To vote today, citizens should find their polling place at vote.gov or their state election office. It is important to check ID rules, as they vary by state. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote, so voters should not hesitate to join the queue if they arrive near the end of the voting period. Poll hours vary by state; for example, in North Carolina, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. To 7:30 p.m., while in Ohio, they are open from 6:30 a.m. To 7:30 p.m. In California, polls are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m., with many voters casting ballots by mail. Voters should plan accordingly to ensure their voices are heard in this decisive election.