QUICK TAKE | Voting Begins in US Midterms That Could Check Trump’s Power. Here Are Seven Things to Know

1. Has voting only just begun?

Election Day polling is under way on November 3, but Americans have been voting for weeks. More than 57 million had cast early ballots by Monday, according to the University of Florida Election Lab. That exceeds 2022’s roughly 46 million early votes.

2. What are Americans voting for?

All 435 House of Representatives seats, 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats and 36 governorships are being contested, alongside state and local offices. Trump is not on the ballot. His presidential term continues regardless of which party wins Congress.

3. What would give Democrats control?

A House majority requires 218 seats. Republicans entered Election Day with 53 Senate seats, against 47 held by Democrats and allied independents. Democrats need 51 for control, while Republicans can retain it with 50 because Vice President JD Vance can break tied votes.

4. How could the result constrain Trump?

A Democratic House could block legislation and launch investigations into the administration. A Democratic Senate could also obstruct judicial and senior executive appointments. Keeping both chambers would leave Republicans better placed to advance Trump’s priorities, although narrow majorities can still make passing legislation difficult.

5. Do polls already point to a winner?

A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted October 29–November 2 put Democrats ahead 52%–44% among likely voters on the generic congressional ballot. That national question does not predict every district or Senate race, and turnout can change the outcome.

6. Which contests deserve attention?

Senate battlegrounds, including Michigan, Maine, Ohio, Iowa, Texas and Kansas. Democrats are challenging Republicans even in traditionally conservative territory, while defending competitive seats of their own. The distribution of victories matters more than the nationwide vote share.

7. When can Indian readers expect results?

The first polls close in parts of Indiana and Kentucky at 6pm US Eastern time, or 4.30am IST on November 4. A clear picture could take longer. AP notes that in 2022, it called Senate control four days after voting and House control eight days afterwards.