More than 50 million Americans have cast early ballots ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake in closely contested races.
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: More than 50 million Americans have cast early ballots ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections, reflecting strong voter participation as both major political parties compete for control of Congress.
University of Florida Election Lab figures showed that more than 50.5 million ballots had been cast by Saturday morning, November 1, surpassing the approximately 45.9 million early votes recorded during the 2022 midterm elections. Later figures reported on Sunday put the total above 53 million.
The elections are scheduled for November 3 and will determine the composition of the US House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate. The results will shape the legislative agenda during the remaining two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
Republicans Defend Congressional Majorities
Republicans are defending their narrow congressional majorities, while Democrats are seeking gains in competitive Senate races and House districts. The outcome could influence legislation, government spending and the administration’s domestic and foreign policy priorities.
Texas has emerged as a major focus of early-voting activity. More than seven million Texans had cast early ballots in the figures reported by Express News, exceeding the state’s comparable 2022 turnout by roughly 1.5 million votes. Harris County, which includes Houston, has also recorded a substantial increase in early participation.
The surge in early voting does not, by itself, establish which party is likely to win. Registration data can identify voters affiliated with political parties in some states, but it does not reveal the candidates they selected. Voting procedures and the availability of early voting also differ across states.
High Turnout Raises Stakes for Election Day
The elevated participation comes amid closely contested races and widespread attention to the direction of the US economy and the Trump administration’s performance.
With Election Day approaching, campaigns are making final efforts to mobilise supporters and persuade undecided voters. The results will determine whether Republicans retain their current congressional advantage or Democrats gain greater influence over the legislative process.
Final outcomes will depend on votes cast both before and on Election Day, as well as the counting and certification processes in individual states.
