US opens polling stations for midterm elections: what's at stake and when to expect results

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the United States opened its first polling stations for the midterm congressional elections. Voting began in Vermont at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time (12:00 Kyiv time), after which stations successively opened in other states. The openings are set to conclude in Alaska and Washington state at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and in Hawaii at noon.

Scale of Voting

In these elections, Americans are electing the entire House of Representatives — all 435 seats — alongside 35 out of 100 Senate seats. In addition to Congress, gubernatorial elections are taking place in 36 states on November 3. At the start of the day, more than 57 million voters had already cast their ballots early or by mail, reflecting high voter turnout in the pre-election cycle.

The Mathematics of the Majority

The outcome of the vote will determine control of Congress. To form a majority in the House of Representatives, a party must secure at least 218 seats. In the Senate, Democrats need 51 votes for a majority, while Republicans only need 50, as the vice president retains the tie-breaking vote in the event of a tie. According to media reports, both chambers are currently controlled by the Republican Party, with Republicans holding four more seats than Democrats in the House.

Forecasts and Balance of Power

Analysts expect a fierce contest for both chambers. The New York Times notes that Democrats are in a stronger position to regain control of the House, while the battle for the Senate remains more complex and less predictable. Experts emphasize that the outcome will determine the balance of political forces for the remaining two years of the presidential term.

When to Expect Results

The first polling stations will close at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time (1:00 a.m. Kyiv time on November 4). Initial voting results are expected immediately after the polls close and exit polls are conducted. The outcomes of the midterm elections traditionally impact not only US domestic policy but also its foreign policy course, including Washington's stance on various international issues.