Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections: The stakes for cost of living, health care, and oversight

Voters across the nation are casting their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the midterm elections that will determine which party controls the U.S. Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The day is defined by a sense of urgency regarding the cost of living, health care, and the conduct of the war in Iran. According to the Associated Press, the election is being viewed as a referendum on the president's performance, with many citizens expressing frustration over high prices and an unpopular conflict. The outcome will shape the legislative landscape, as one or two seats in either chamber could tip the balance of power.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stated that the American people are angry and want change. Her remarks reflect the mood among Democrats, who are cautiously optimistic about their chances to reclaim a majority in the House of Representatives. In the House, all 435 seats are up for grabs. Democrats currently hold 214 seats, while Republicans hold 218, with one independent and several vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, a goal that many believe is achievable given the current political climate. The party is focused on delivering relief to households struggling with rising costs.

In the Senate, 35 seats are on the ballot, including 33 regular elections and two special elections. Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to gain control of the chamber. Key battlegrounds include Georgia, where Sen. Jon Ossoff faces Rep. Mike Collins, and North Carolina, where former Gov. Roy Cooper is challenging former RNC chair Michael Whatley. The Associated Press notes that economic strain and tariffs have made states like Maine competitive, where Sen. Susan Collins faces a tough challenge from Troy Jackson. These races are critical for Democrats, who aim to use a Senate majority to strengthen oversight of the administration.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has outlined a 100-day agenda that prioritizes the cost of living and oversight of the executive branch. If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. Jeffries, who would be the first Black speaker of the House if his party takes control, has emphasized the need for accountability. The party is also looking to boost potential 2028 candidates, including Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg. A strong showing today could complicate the path for Vice President JD Vance and set the stage for the next presidential cycle.

Voters are not only focused on national politics but also on local and state issues. Thirty-six governorships are on the ballot, with Republicans holding 26 offices and Democrats holding 24. Democrats are hoping to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades. In Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is running against Republican health care executive Rick Jackson. In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton is facing Vivek Ramaswamy. These races are important because governors have significant influence over state budgets, education, and infrastructure, which directly impact the daily lives of residents.

The financial landscape of the election is intense, with the 2026 elections likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees at the committee level, helped by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. According to an AP analysis of AdImpact data, 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. This spending strategy reflects the Republican focus on holding onto seats in areas where the president has strong support. Democrats are working to overcome this financial advantage by emphasizing voter turnout and local issues.

Redistricting is also playing a role in the election. Six states, including California, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, are using new congressional maps after mid-decade redistricting. Ohio also has a new map. Republicans attempted to use redistricting to beat the typical midterm pattern of a president's party losing seats. However, the Associated Press notes that new districts in Florida and elsewhere may not vote as originally drawn. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the day's proceedings, as candidates in these new districts are campaigning to voters who may be familiar with the old boundaries.

According to Ballotpedia and USA.gov, voters can find their polling place at vote.gov or their state election office. It is important for voters to check their state's ID rules before heading to the polls, as requirements vary by location. Poll hours differ across the country. For example, in Alabama, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while in California, they are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In New York, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters in line when polls close are entitled to vote, so arriving early is recommended to avoid long lines. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time.

The mood among voters is mixed, with many expressing concern over their personal finances. James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, noted that he is paying more taxes, more for health care, and more for everything. His sentiments are shared by many who see this election as a chance to address economic pressures. In contrast, Mark Barker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said he has been following Trump closely and thinks he is doing an awesome job. This divide highlights the different priorities of voters across the country, with some focusing on the president's leadership and others on the impact of his policies on their daily lives.

President Trump held dozens of rallies to support Republican candidates, ending his schedule Sunday in Salina, Kansas. He told supporters, I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot. His rallies included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Many Republican candidates have kept their distance from the president, recognizing the polarizing nature of his presence. The president has also continued to make claims about voting fraud, including that noncitizens vote in large numbers. His administration has sued in Alaska and California, and Democrats fear interference as the Justice Department threatens to prosecute local election officials.

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting on Monday, a move critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. These legal battles underscore the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities over election administration. According to Reuters, Wall Street is also watching the results, as they could impact investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The economic implications of the election extend beyond politics, affecting markets and businesses nationwide.