Millions of US citizens have cast their ballots today, with 57 million more having already voted by Monday, marking a higher early vote turnout compared to four years ago in many closely watched states. The results will shape the final two years of Donald Trump's second term.
Trump tells voters to 'pretend I'm on the ballot'
Donald Trump, whose name is not on the ballot, has told voters to act as though he is running, even as many Republican candidates have tried to keep their distance from the US President. He told the crowd in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday at the final of several dozen rallies in the campaign's closing weeks: "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot."
Tight margins in both chambers
Margins are tight in both chambers, meaning one or two seats could tip the balance. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the 100-member Senate to win the majority, an uphill climb because many of the most competitive races are in historically red states. In the 435-member House, however, they need only three.
The results will shape the final two years of Mr Trump's second term after the Republican-controlled Congress helped him deliver much of his agenda. Voters are heading to the polls to determine control of both chambers of Congress, but the results will also be viewed as a referendum on Donald Trump's second term in office.
