Midterm vote closes across the nation

Voting officially ended Tuesday as the nation awaited the results of the midterm elections. More than 59 million Americans had already cast ballots before polls closed, a figure that approaches half of the total votes cast in the previous midterm cycle. The early data shows Democrats holding a double-digit advantage, but final control of Congress depends on in-person turnout at the polls today.

Democrats are favored to take control of the House of Representatives. They need to flip only three seats to secure the majority. The political environment has shifted in their favor over the past month, despite Republican efforts to protect their numbers through mid-decade redistricting. That strategy is unlikely to be enough to prevent a change in leadership in the chamber.

The Senate race remains uncertain. Democrats need to win four seats to gain control, a goal that seemed unlikely at the start of this cycle. Strong Democratic candidates and a difficult national environment for Republicans have made that outcome possible. North Carolina is the only seat where Democrats are currently favored to flip. The other key races are close contests or slight Republican favorites, with most taking place in states won by President Trump in 2024.

Republican turnout will be the deciding factor in the Senate. If turnout is high, Democrats may limit their gains to a single seat. If Republican voters stay home, Democrats could win six or seven seats, taking control of the chamber. Michigan is a top target for Republicans because winning it changes the math for Democrats. President Trump campaigned in several red states this week to encourage his base to vote.

Results will begin arriving at 6 p.m. Eastern Time in Kentucky and Indiana. Voters in many jurisdictions should expect delays. Counties are expected to process a high volume of close races, which may require days or even weeks to finalize. Patience is expected as officials count the remaining ballots.

The election takes place in Bernalillo County and the surrounding region as part of the national vote. Local residents who did not vote early will find that their ballots are counted in the final tally. The outcome will determine the balance of power in both chambers of Congress for the next two years.