Polls open in midterms with control of Congress at stake

Polls opened on the U.S. East Coast on Tuesday, November 3, as voters began deciding control of Congress in midterm elections that will shape the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are being contested. Results have not been reported, and forecasts point to a likely Democratic gain in the House while the Senate remains uncertain. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to win majorities. Their Senate path is considered more difficult because they must defend their existing seats while competing in states that have generally favored Republicans. Closely watched Senate contests include races in North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Alaska, Texas and Michigan. More than 57 million ballots had been cast by Monday, according to Associated Press reporting. Another report put early voting at 56 million, a rounded estimate described ahead of Election Day. The figures reflect reported early-vote totals, not the final turnout. The campaign has centered on the cost of living, energy prices, immigration, and the administration’s policies, including the war with Iran. An...