Voting begins in US midterms with Congress at stake

Voting is underway across the United States in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. Republicans are defending narrow majorities in the House and Senate, while Democrats are seeking enough seats to take control of either chamber or both. All 435 House seats and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are being contested, along with 36 governorships. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to control both chambers. More than 57 million Americans had voted early by Monday, according to the Associated Press. The outcome will shape Congress’s role in the administration’s legislative agenda and oversight of the executive branch. If Democrats win the House, they would have authority to launch impeachment proceedings, though an impeachment vote would require a simple majority in that chamber. Conviction and removal from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Trump said he would veto legislation if Democrats gained control of Congress, while also suggesting he might eventually negotiate a deal. Republicans have argued that their candidates can retain their majorities, while...