Polls open in US midterm elections for Congress and governors

Polling stations opened in eastern US states on Tuesday as voters began choosing members of Congress, governors and other state and local officials in the midterm elections, according to Anadolu Agency.

Voting started at 6 am local time (1000 GMT) in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Virginia, as well as parts of Indiana and Kentucky. Polls were scheduled to open at different times elsewhere in the country.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are being contested, along with governorships in 36 states. Voters are also electing state lawmakers and other local officials, while some states are holding referendums on policy issues.

Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress. Democrats are seeking to gain control of at least one chamber and limit President Donald Trump’s ability to advance his legislative agenda.

Voting is continuing throughout the day across multiple time zones. The first regular poll closings are scheduled for 6 pm ET.