Early voting begins in US midterms that could shift control of Congress

In-person voting commenced in the United States for the midterms on Friday, marking the beginning of a critical six-week period for citizens to choose which party they believe should lead Congress. The election officials express confidence in the integrity and security of the voting process despite the ongoing efforts by President Donald Trump to undermine certain voting methods and alter election laws.

Through court challenges, a nationwide search for noncitizen voters, and a campaign pressuring election officials to disclose sensitive voter information, Trump has sought to influence the electoral process.

Early voting kicked off in Virginia, with the first votes cast in person at a location in Fairfax. Meanwhile, a few other states such as Minnesota and South Dakota also allow absentee ballots to be cast in person, typically at local election offices or voting centers. Additional early voting periods are set to commence in these and other states in the coming weeks. Sanya Singhal, an 18-year-old college student, was among the first to vote early in person on the morning of the first day of early voting.