More Than 36 Million Americans Vote Early as Midterm Election Enters Final Six Days, Setting Stage for Battle Over Control of Congress

With Election Day approaching, millions of Americans have already cast their ballots as Republicans and Democrats compete over the economy, border security, national security and the future of Washington.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 35 million Americans have already cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, signaling substantial voter participation as Republicans and Democrats enter the final six days of a consequential battle for control of Congress.

According to figures from the University of Florida Election Lab reported by CBS News on Wednesday, October 28, early voting continues to grow nationwide as Americans prepare for the November 3 elections.

All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, alongside gubernatorial elections in 36 states.

The elections will determine the congressional balance of power during the remaining two years of President Donald Trump's term.

Trump and Republicans Make Their Final Campaign Push

President Trump is intensifying his campaign appearances as Republicans work to defend their congressional majorities.

The president is campaigning in Ohio on Wednesday after appearances in Texas and Mississippi earlier in the week.

Republican candidates are emphasizing border security, domestic energy production, taxation and national defense, arguing that congressional support is essential for advancing the administration's agenda.

Democrats, meanwhile, are focusing on living costs, healthcare and criticism of the administration's economic policies.

The competing messages are reaching voters who have already begun making their decisions at polling locations and through mail ballots.

Early Voting Draws Millions in Major States

Early participation has been particularly substantial in states such as Texas and Florida.

University of Florida Election Lab figures show that more than 3.5 million Floridians had voted by Tuesday, including approximately 1.93 million in person and 1.58 million by mail.

In Texas, early participation has also reached millions as voters prepare to decide closely watched congressional contests.

The large number of ballots already cast is reshaping the final stages of campaign operations, allowing political organizations to concentrate their remaining outreach on voters who have not participated.

However, early turnout does not establish which party is receiving greater support. Party registration and voting method cannot reveal an individual's ballot choices.

House and Senate Control at Stake

Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority, making competitive districts especially important.

The Senate election includes contests across several states where candidates are debating immigration, government spending, economic policy and national security.

For Republicans, maintaining congressional control would preserve their ability to advance legislation aligned with the president's priorities.

For Democrats, gaining seats would create opportunities to pursue a different legislative agenda and increase congressional oversight.

The final outcome will depend on votes cast through November 3 and the completion of official ballot counting.

Americans Prepare for a Defining Election

The growing early-vote total reflects substantial public engagement with the nation's political direction.

Economic pressures, energy prices, immigration enforcement and foreign policy have become central issues in campaigns across the country.

With millions of ballots already submitted and Election Day rapidly approaching, both parties are concentrating on voter participation and the final presentation of their policy priorities.

November 3 will determine the next Congress and the legislative environment confronting President Trump during the remainder of his term.