Americans Head to the Polls for the 2026 Midterm Elections

Millions of Americans are voting today, November 3, 2026, in the midterm elections. These elections happen in the middle of a president's four-year term and decide who will serve in Congress for the next two years. CBS News reports that all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are on the ballot, along with 35 Senate seats.

Both chambers are closely divided. Fox News reports that Republicans hold a narrow majority in each one. In the Senate, Republicans hold 53 seats to 47 for Democrats and the independents who work with them. In the House, Fox News describes the Republican majority as razor thin. Because the margins are so small, a shift of only a few seats could change which party is in charge.

Voters are choosing far more than members of Congress. CBS News reports that 36 states are electing governors, and many states also have ballot measures. These let voters decide questions on topics such as taxes, voting rules, and redistricting directly.

Some voters see today as a chance to support the president's agenda by keeping a friendly Congress. Others want Congress to act more independently and provide closer oversight. Both views are common in midterm years, and turnout often decides which side comes out ahead.

The results may not all be known tonight. In close races, officials may need several days to count large numbers of mail and absentee ballots. In a small number of states, a race could even head to a later runoff if no candidate wins enough of the vote, which would delay the final outcome. That means control of the Senate or the House could take extra time to settle.

If you still plan to vote, check your local election office for your polling place and hours, and bring any identification your state requires. If you received a mail ballot, follow your state's rules for returning it on time. Election officials remind voters to be patient, because counting large numbers of ballots takes time.