US Midterm Elections See Major Surge in Early Voting as Parties Fight for Control of Congress

The United States is witnessing a significant increase in early voting ahead of its November 3, 2026 midterm elections, with nearly 10 million more Americans having cast ballots compared with the same point before the 2022 elections.

The surge in participation is drawing attention to several closely contested races that could determine which political party controls Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term.

President Trump has been campaigning for Republican candidates, including appearances in Florida and plans for rallies in Iowa and Kansas. Former President Bill Clinton has also been campaigning for Democratic candidates, highlighting the importance of voter turnout in the final days before Election Day.

Several battleground states have reported particularly strong early voting activity. Texas and states with competitive Senate contests are among those attracting significant attention from both parties.

The election campaign has focused heavily on economic concerns, including affordability and the cost of living, alongside immigration, healthcare and national political issues.

In Alaska, federal prosecutors have also confirmed an investigation into allegations involving a candidate with the same name as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Democratic candidate Mary Peltola has denied knowing about the alleged effort to confuse voters.

The November 3 elections will determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats, making the results important for the balance of power in Washington.

With Election Day approaching, both parties are working to mobilize supporters and secure votes in closely contested races. The final results could significantly influence the direction of US domestic and foreign policy.