Polling Stations Begin Closing in US Midterm Elections

Washington, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- Polls began closing today in several U.S. states as Americans vote in the midterm elections to determine which party will control one or both chambers of Congress, thereby shaping President Donald Trump’s ability to implement his agenda during the second half of his term. Some polling stations will remain open later than usual due to differences in local time across the United States, which spans three time zones. Several states have extended voting hours at certain polling places because of technical problems, potentially delaying the announcement of results. Most polling stations close between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. local time. The elections cover all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, with members serving two-year terms, according to the official website of the House. They also include 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate, whose members serve six-year terms, with one-third of the chamber up for election every two years. Republicans are defending 22 Senate seats in this cycle, compared with 13 for Democrats. In the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, Republicans enter the contest with a very narrow majority, currently holding 218 seats to the Democrats’ 214. Preliminary, unofficial partial results are expected to begin appearing shortly after polls close, with more comprehensive results expected by midnight or earlier local time, depending on the speed of vote counting and each state’s election procedures. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.H.A.