US midterm elections: the story so far

🧵 The story so far Updated Mon 26 Oct

US midterm elections

In one minute: The US midterm elections take place on 3 November 2026, halfway through the president's four-year term. Voters choose members of the House of Representatives and Senate, whose majorities shape lawmaking, spending and oversight. Our coverage follows voter concerns, early voting and election rules. Early turnout figures describe participation; they do not establish which party or candidate has won.

📍 United States

📅 What happened

26 OctOur latest reports described early-voting records in Georgia and Harris County, Texas, while keeping turnout figures separate from election results. Read it
24 OctOur older-reader coverage examined court decisions about voting rules close to Election Day and why the timing of changes matters. Read it
23 OctOur coverage described early-voting increases in Senate battleground states, comparing participation with the same stage of the previous midterms. Read it

Show earlier days (3)

21 OctPublished reports described record first-day early turnout in Harris County, Texas, and explained how early voting works. Read it
17 OctOur papers explained how the House and Senate elections can change control of Congress and the president’s room to legislate. Read it
12 OctOur published coverage examined living costs and voter concerns before the midterms. Read it

👥 Who's who

VotersEligible citizens choosing representatives under their state’s voting rules.

CongressThe House and Senate; their party majorities shape legislation, spending and oversight.

Democrats and RepublicansThe two main parties competing for seats in Congress.

State and local election officialsAdminister voting, count ballots and report results under state law.

❓ What changes if a party gains control of a chamber?

The majority chooses leaders and committee chairs and influences which legislation advances. Control of Congress affects how easily a president can pursue a legislative agenda.

❓ What do early-voting records tell us?

They describe how many people have cast ballots at a particular stage. They do not establish who is winning. Comparisons also depend on dates, state rules and voting methods.

❓ Why do election rules differ across states?

States administer elections under state and federal law. Registration deadlines, early-voting periods and voting methods can differ. Official state or local election websites provide the rules for a particular voter.

For grown-ups: sources

All the big stories