Americans have begun casting ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, opening the final six weeks of a political battle that will determine control of Congress and shape the remainder of President Donald Trump’s second term.
In-person early voting begins in Virginia on Friday, 18 September, while voters in several other states, including Minnesota, Idaho and South Dakota, can begin casting absentee ballots in person.
Election Day is 3 November.
Control of Congress at stake
The elections will decide all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and a third of the US Senate.
Control of Congress carries particular significance during the second half of a presidential term. The composition of the House and Senate will affect the administration’s ability to advance legislation, while also determining congressional oversight and committee leadership.
The campaign is taking place against a backdrop of concerns over the cost of living, inflation, immigration enforcement, artificial intelligence and the continuing war involving Iran.
Immigration creates Republican tensions
Immigration, one of Trump’s central political issues, is also producing disagreement within the Republican Party.
Florida Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar has publicly criticised aspects of the administration’s immigration enforcement, saying its approach has gone too far. Salazar, who represents a heavily Hispanic Miami-area district, is seeking re-election in November. Other Republican lawmakers have also sought distance from parts of the administration’s immigration policy.
Campaigning replaces legislating
The House has meanwhile left Washington earlier than originally scheduled, allowing representatives to return to their districts ahead of the election.
Speaker Mike Johnson has defended the decision, arguing that lawmakers can spend the remaining weeks working with constituents and campaigning. Critics from both parties have pointed to unfinished congressional business, including legislation involving artificial intelligence, energy costs and other domestic issues.
The beginning of early voting marks the transition from campaigning alone to actual ballots being cast.
From Friday onwards, the American midterms are no longer an approaching political contest. The voting has begun.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 18 September 2026
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