Voters in the US have started heading to the polling stations to cast their votes in the midterm elections. This is a crucial event that will determine the legislative power of President Donald Trump’s administration and the political balance within Congress.
elchi reports that today’s elections cover all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 out of 100 seats in the Senate.
Voting in the midterm elections first began at 06:00 local time (14:00 Turkish time) in the states of Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.
Due to time zone differences, polling stations in other US states will open at different times.
Early Voting Began on September 18
Although today is the last day to vote, many citizens in various states have been participating in early voting since September 18.
Early voting first began on September 18 in Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota, and later, additional early voting stations became operational in other states.
In the US, with approximately 210 million registered voters, it is estimated that 50 million people have already cast their votes through early voting.
First Polling Stations to Close in Indiana and Kentucky
The first polling stations in these midterm elections are expected to close at 18:00 local time (02:00 Turkish time) in Indiana and Kentucky.
After Kentucky, each state will conclude its voting process at the designated time. Due to time zone differences, the last polling stations – those in Alaska – are expected to close at 01:00 local time on November 4 (09:00 Turkish time). Midterm Elections in the US
The American public is voting for governorships and other local positions in their states, as well as for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 out of 100 seats in the Senate. According to the US election system, all 435 members of the House of Representatives face elections every two years: once during the general elections when the US president is elected, and once during the midterm elections.
In the Senate, which consists of 100 members, one-third of the senators, who are elected for six-year terms, face elections every two years.
Current Composition of Congress
In the US Senate, Republicans currently hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 45. Two seats are held by independent candidates who often align with Democrats on many issues.
In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold 218 seats, Democrats hold 45, independent candidates hold 1 seat; two seats are currently vacant.
It is expected that the elections will determine the political balance within Congress, which in turn will affect the legislative powers of the Trump administration.
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