US midterm elections begin with control of Congress at stake

Americans began casting ballots on Tuesday in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress and shape the remainder of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.

The nationwide vote will decide all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and governorships in 36 states.

State legislative positions and local offices are also up for election, alongside policy referendums in some states, according to Anadolu news agency.

The first polling stations opened at 6am local time in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia and parts of Indiana and Kentucky, with voting getting underway at staggered times across the country.

Republicans currently hold majorities in both the House and Senate, but Democrats are aiming to capture at least one chamber, potentially limiting Trump’s ability to advance his legislative priorities.

Polls will close at different times across the country’s time zones, with the first regular closures scheduled for 6pm Eastern Time.