Midterms: US Elections: First Polling Stations Close
The midterm congressional elections in the four-year term of Donald Trump are considered a vote on his policies. In some districts, voting has now been completed.
In a crucial moment for the US Congress, early voting locations in the United States are closing their doors as the first day of the midterms elections unfolds. In parts of Indiana and Kentucky, voting should conclude at 6 PM local time, which corresponds to midnight Eastern Time.
The United States spans numerous time zones, causing the election process to drag on for an extended period. In vast areas of Alaska and Hawaii, voting locations remain open until 6 AM Eastern Time. The midterms are a decisive battle for the narrow Republican majority in both chambers of Congress, which President Donald Trump's party currently holds.
The elections serve as a vital barometer of public sentiment for the president, occurring roughly two years after his return to the White House. Preliminary results are expected throughout the night, but it remains unclear when the majority standings in the House of Representatives and the Senate will be determined. In the event of a close contest, the determination of the majority could take several days.
Before the election day, millions of American citizens had already cast their votes. According to the Election Lab at the University of Florida, nearly 61 million voters had already cast their ballots prior to the election day. In the 2022 midterms, the number was slightly lower, with around 46 million votes cast.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.