Americans are casting their ballots on Election Day in midterm elections that could significantly alter the political landscape and test President Donald Trump's influence.
Crucial Senate, House, and gubernatorial races are underway, with several historically Republican-leaning states becoming key battlegrounds. Democrats need to flip four seats in the Senate to gain control and three seats in the House.
Polls began closing at 6 p.m. ET, with the last closing at 1 a.m. ET. The nation awaits the counting of ballots to determine which party will hold power.
A new Morning Consult poll released prior to the election indicated a potential challenge for Trump, showing 56 percent of voters disapprove of his performance, with only 41 percent approving. This marks his weakest standing since returning to the White House. Additionally, 46 percent of all voters expressed strong disapproval of Trump's performance.
Reports from various bellwether counties suggest a mixed sentiment among voters. In Sedgwick County, Kansas, one voter blamed rising diesel prices and the economy on Donald Trump, opting to vote for the Democratic Senate candidate. Conversely, in Jefferson County, Texas, another voter presented a different perspective on economic issues.
The election outcomes are seen by many as a referendum on Trump's presidency, even though his name is not directly on the ballot.
Live updates indicate that polls have opened across numerous states, including Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, with some municipalities in Vermont also opening their polling stations.