Early voting opens in six US states ahead of Nov. 3 midterms

In-person early voting began Monday in six US states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with control of Congress and numerous state offices at stake, Anadolu Agency reported.

Voting opened in Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alaska, Colorado and Connecticut, two weeks before Election Day. Nationwide, voters will elect all 435 members of the US House of Representatives and more than one-third of the 100-member Senate.

Governorships, state legislative seats and local ballot initiatives are also on the ballot.

Senate contests in Texas, South Carolina and Arkansas

In Texas, early voting runs through Oct. 30, with polling hours varying by county. The state’s closely watched Senate race pits Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico.

South Carolina’s early voting period continues through Oct. 31. The state’s Senate race features Republican incumbent Darline Graham, appointed after the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews. Voters will also decide an open gubernatorial race.

Polling stations in South Carolina are scheduled to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be closed Sunday, Oct. 25. Voters must present photo identification.

In Arkansas, early voting ends Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. local time. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton faces Democratic challenger Hallie Shoffner. Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is seeking re-election against Democrat Fredrick Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby.

Arkansas election officials require voters to present valid photo identification or qualifying official documents, including utility bills or government paychecks, before receiving a ballot.

Voting begins in Alaska, Colorado and Connecticut

In Alaska, in-person early voting and absentee voting began at designated locations Monday and will continue through Election Day on Nov. 3. The state uses a ranked-choice voting system.

The Senate race features Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan against former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. Voters will also choose a successor to term-limited Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

In Colorado, voter centers opened statewide after ballot drop boxes had opened earlier.

Connecticut began a 14-day early voting period that runs through Nov. 1. Polling stations are operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.