Early Voting Tops 57 Million in Midterms
Millions of Americans have already cast ballots by mail or in person ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
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More than 57 million people have cast early ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, well above the roughly 46 million early voters recorded in the 2022 midterms. Through Sunday, states reporting party affiliation recorded early ballots from more than 11 million registered Democrats and about 8 million registered Republicans.
Why it matters
The early vote totals offer an early read on turnout and partisan engagement heading into Election Day, when Democrats are projected to make House gains. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to take control of those chambers.
Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to take control, while The Cook Political Report projects a gain of 12 to 25 House seats. The projection is an estimate, and actual results will depend on Election Day outcomes.
The players
The Cook Political Report
A nonpartisan election analysis publication that tracks House and Senate races and issues seat-projection forecasts.
The details
Voters cast ballots early by mail or in person, and more than 7 million people have already voted in Texas. Polls close on Election Day, and voters are weighing concerns including gas prices above $4 a gallon.
Timeline
Through Sunday: states reporting party affiliation recorded early ballots from more than 11 million Democrats and about 8 million Republicans.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Election Day, when polls close.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 early vote of more than 57 million runs well ahead of the roughly 46 million early voters in the 2022 midterms. That gap places this cycle on a higher-engagement path than the last midterm before Election Day.
Voters who have not yet cast a ballot should check their state's Election Day polling hours and locations before heading to the polls. Early voters have already locked in their choices, so the remaining decisions rest with those still planning to vote.
The takeaway
Early turnout of more than 57 million signals heavy voter engagement going into Election Day. Readers following the races can track final counts as they are reported after polls close.
What happens next
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when polls close and final results begin to be reported.
Further reading
For broader background, explore the Elections section on the site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Urban Radio Networks.
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