US Midterm Election 2026 Early Voting, Polls and Prices

The US midterm election 2026 is 19 days away. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and millions of Americans have already voted. Here is what is confirmed so far on early voting, control of Congress, polling, campaign events, and prices.

US Midterm Election 2026: Early Voting Picks Up

Spectrum News reported on October 14 that more than 4 million Americans had already cast ballots, with records broken in many states. Ohio’s secretary of state said early voting has nearly quadrupled from four years ago, and Georgia saw more than 188,000 voters on its first day, a midterm record for the state.

Source: Spectrum News

These numbers show how people are voting. They do not show who is winning. Early voting rules also differ from state to state.

What Is at Stake in Congress

Republicans currently control both chambers. In the Senate, they hold a 53-to-47 edge, and Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to take control. In the House, the Republican majority is narrow, so a small number of swing districts could decide control.

Sources: TNND Fact Check Team, Alaska Beacon

The Cook Political Report rates Senate races in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas as toss-ups.

Source: Alaska Beacon

Latest Poll Shows Democrats Ahead Nationally

The Economist/YouGov poll for October 10 to 12 found Democratic candidates leading Republican candidates by 7 points among registered voters. The leads were 8 and 11 points under two likely-voter definitions used by YouGov. All three leads were slightly smaller than the week before.

Source: YouGov

A poll shows voter preference at one moment. A national lead does not translate directly into seats, because each district votes separately.

Trump and Democrats Campaign in Key States

President Donald Trump held rallies in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday, in Wasilla, Alaska, on Tuesday, and in Arizona and Montana on Wednesday. In Ohio, Republican Sen. Jon Husted faces Democrat Sherrod Brown. In Alaska, Sen. Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola.

Sources: Spectrum News, Just the News

In Montana, the Kalispell rally backed Republican Aaron Flint in the Western Congressional District. Arizona has no Senate race this year, but several House Republicans face close contests.

Sources: ABC FOX Montana, via Ground News, Just the News

Trump has more rallies planned in Georgia, Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina. In Arizona, he said he sees a good chance of a strong Republican majority in both chambers. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to campaign for Democrats in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Georgia, and Nevada starting next week.

Source: Spectrum News

Prices and Inflation Shape the Campaign

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on October 14 that consumer prices rose 3.7 percent over the 12 months ending in September, up from 3.4 percent in August. Prices rose 0.6 percent in the month, and gasoline prices, up 9.1 percent, accounted for more than half of that increase. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, was 2.6 percent, and the food index was unchanged for the month.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The reading was higher than the 3.6 percent economists expected. CNBC reported that economists link the rise largely to the Iran war’s effect on oil and fuel prices, with tariffs, AI data center construction, and strong travel demand also adding pressure.

Sources: CNN, CNBC

Cost of living is also showing up in polls. YouGov’s October 10 to 12 survey reported that nearly half of Americans describe the economy as poor, the highest share since 2022.

Source: YouGov

What Happens Next

Election Day is November 3. The next Consumer Price Index report is due on November 10. Voters should check their state or local election office for early voting dates, locations, and ID rules.

FAQs
Q1. When is the 2026 US midterm election?
Answer: Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Q2. How many Americans have voted early?
Answer: Spectrum News reported more than 4 million as of October 14. The number changes daily and varies by state.

Q3. What is being decided in the midterms?
Answer: All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, and control of both chambers is at stake.

Q4. What did the latest poll show?
Answer: The Economist/YouGov poll for October 10 to 12 showed Democrats ahead by 7 points among registered voters. This is national preference, not a forecast of the result.

Q5. What was the US inflation rate in September 2026?
Answer: The annual rate was 3.7 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.