Early voting begins in US midterm elections that could flip control of Congress, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/18/early-voting-us-midterm-elections/)
18-09-2026
The report covers the start of early voting for the U.S. midterm elections, marking the final stretch of campaigning before Election Day on November 3.
Key details highlighted in the coverage include:
Early Voting Rollout: In-person early voting began on Friday, September 18, starting in Virginia. Voters in several other statesincluding Minnesota, South Dakota, and Idahoalso gained the ability to cast absentee ballots in person at local election offices, with more states expanding access in the coming weeks.
Stakes for Congress: The election will determine whether Republicans retain their majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, alongside deciding numerous governorships and state legislative seats. A Democratic win in either chamber would substantially reshape the final two years of President Donald Trump’s administration, potentially sparking increased oversight and congressional investigations.
Key Voter Issues: Voters head to the polls against a backdrop of domestic and foreign concerns, including cost-of-living pressures, rising grocery and fuel costs, international conflicts, immigration enforcement, and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence technology.
Redistricting Impact: The midterm races follow a series of mid-decade congressional redistricting battles, meaning roughly one in ten Americans are voting in a different congressional district than in previous cycles.
Election Administration & Scrutiny: Voting begins amidst continued political and legal clashes over election administration, voting procedures, access to state voter data, and scrutiny over mail-in balloting. Election officials and voting rights advocates continue to encourage casting ballots early to alleviate wait times on Election Day and ensure timely processing.