Voters across the United States began casting ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress and state leadership. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 Senate seats are contested, while 36 states hold gubernatorial elections. Polling locations opened at varying times across the country, with the earliest starting at 5 a.m. ET in Vermont and the latest at 12 p.m. ET in Hawaii.
Polls Open and Close Times Vary by State
Polling hours differ by state, with some locations opening as early as 5 a.m. ET and others as late as 12 p.m. ET. The first polls closed at 6 p.m. ET in parts of Indiana and Kentucky, while the final results are expected after 11 p.m. ET in Alaska and Washington. Voters in line at polling places before scheduled closing times retain the right to cast their ballots.
Early and Mail-In Voting Remain Widespread
Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia offered early voting options ahead of Election Day, with Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire as the exceptions. Eight states and D.C. automatically sent mail-in ballots to all registered voters, though in-person voting remained available. Over 57 million voters had already cast ballots early this year.
What’s at Stake in the Midterms
The elections will shape the balance of power in Congress, with Democrats currently holding a narrow majority in the House and Republicans leading in the Senate. Control of both chambers could influence legislative agendas, judicial confirmations, and federal policy priorities for the next two years. Governorships in 36 states are also in play, with implications for state-level policies on healthcare, education, and election administration.
Key Races and Competitive Districts
Several high-profile races are drawing national attention, including contests in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, where control of closely divided districts could shift partisan majorities. Senate races in Montana, Nevada, and Wisconsin are also considered competitive, with outcomes potentially determining which party holds the chamber.
Voter Rights and Accessibility
Voters in all states have the right to remain in line to cast their ballots if they arrived before polls closed. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides a list of voter rights by state, including protections against intimidation and requirements for accessible polling places. Election officials have emphasized the importance of verifying registration status ahead of time to avoid delays.
Next Steps: Results and Certification
States will begin reporting election results after polls close, with some jurisdictions allowing provisional ballots to be counted if eligibility is verified. Official certification of results varies by state, with some completing the process within days and others requiring weeks. The outcomes will be finalized before the 117th Congress convenes in January 2027 and newly elected governors take office in January 2027.