The 2022 US Midterm Elections are underway as the Republicans and Democrats fight for the two chambers of Congress. Read to know more.
2022 US Midterm Elections begin:
By the time US voters head toward the polls, over 45 million pre-election ballots have been cast across 47 states. Reports reveal this to be the most expensive in history based on spending over $16.7 billion in total. The figures are $2 billion more than the last midterms in 2018. The polls began in Ohio on November 8 and voters cast their ballots to decide a key Senate race between Democratic Representative Tim Ryan and Republican J.D. Vance. A long line was ready to greet the polls in a Cleveland voting center when officials opened the doors early in the morning.
The elections will reveal the fate of both chambers of Congress- the House of Representatives and the Senate. The lower house of the parliament, the US House of Representatives, has 435 seats. The Democratic Party is currently leading with 220 seats against the Republicans’ 212. Three seats are vacant. On the other hand, the upper house has a total of 100 seats. Both parties have 50 seats. However, the Democrats hold an advantage as Vice-President Kamala Harris holds the casting vote in cases of a tie.
More on the polls
While the elections are mostly a smooth sail, officials in Virginia reported tech issues with equipment verifying voter information. Similar cases were also reported in Texas where officials handling proceedings has issues with the check-in machines. On the other hand, the Florida state department wrote to the US Department of Justice stating federal election monitors are not allowed in Florida polling booths. As per the state, these monitors “would be counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election”.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President is urging the United States to remain united as questions rise over US support. “I call on you to maintain unwavering unity, as it is now, until that very day when we all hear those important words, we have been dreaming of. Until we hear that peace has finally been restored. Democracies must not stop on their way to victory,” stated Zelensky.