Early voting begins in Virginia for U.S. midterm elections

Early voting for the U.S. midterm elections opened in Virginia today, marking the start of the final six weeks before the November 3 vote that will help determine control of Congress. In several other states, including Idaho, Minnesota and South Dakota, voters can now cast ballots early by delivering them in person to an election office or at a polling location.

The midterms will decide the composition of the House of Representatives and part of the Senate, bodies currently controlled by Republicans. Most states will also hold contests for governors and state legislatures. If Democrats win back control of Congress, it would reshape the political landscape during the last two years of President Donald Trump’s term, including increased oversight of his administration by lawmakers.

Campaign issues and legal disputes

The campaign season is unfolding amid voter concern over rising costs of living, fuel and food prices, the ongoing war in Iran, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

President Trump has continued to press for changes to how elections are run and for checks of voter rolls for non-citizens. This week the Supreme Court rejected his administration’s bid to impose new restrictions on voting by mail. Existing studies have found that participation by non-citizens in U.S. elections is extremely rare.

Election officials say they are prepared for voting and that the system is secure and safe. Voter-rights groups are urging those planning to vote by mail to send their ballots earlier than usual because of potential delivery delays.

Officials and advocates alike are emphasizing that early voting provides more options for participation during the six weeks leading up to November 3.

Photo: press material from the event