Early voting begins in U.S. midterm elections that could flip control of Congress
Early voting for the U.S. midterm elections has commenced, with control of Congress at stake amid concerns over inflation, foreign policy, and AI risks. The election occurs against a backdrop of ongoing legal challenges to voting methods and redistricting efforts.
Why it matters
The outcome of these elections will determine the legislative trajectory of the U.S. government and the oversight of the current administration's policies.
In-person voting for this year's midterm elections begins on Friday (September 18, 2026), ushering in the final six weeks for Americans to decide who they trust to lead Congress through a cost-of-living crisis , a prolonged war in Iran, and other pressing issues.
Election administrators say they're prepared and confident the vote will be accurate and secure. Nevertheless, President Donald Trump has continued with efforts to denigrate certain voting methods and reshape how U.S. elections are run, through court challenges, an expansive federal hunt for non-citizen voters and a pressure campaign to force election officials to share sensitive voter data.
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