Early voting for the US midterm elections began on Friday, opening six weeks of voting as Americans decide who should control Congress amid concerns over living costs, the Iran war and other major issues.
Voting officials said they were prepared to ensure an accurate and secure election, but President Donald Trump has continued efforts to challenge some voting methods and influence election procedures through legal action and demands for voter data, reports AP.
The 3 November election will decide races for governors and state legislatures in most states, as well as control of the House and Senate.
A shift in congressional control would affect the final two years of Trump’s term, including potential investigations and oversight efforts.
The vote comes amid concerns over rising fuel and grocery prices, artificial intelligence risks, immigration policies and an unprecedented round of mid-decade congressional redistricting.
David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said he expected Trump to continue “his disinformation campaign and his attack on election officials”, but added that “ultimately the process will hold as it has in past years.”
Voting rights advocates have urged people to vote early.
“Voting early, whether in person or by mail, is good for all of our communities because it gives voters options, eases lines on Election Day and can even mean faster results,” said Hannah Fried, CEO of All Voting Is Local.
