Early voting for the 2026 midterm elections started Friday in multiple states, marking the beginning of the final stretch for voters to decide control of Congress.

In Virginia, in-person early voting opened at local registrar offices across the commonwealth. Eligible voters can cast ballots through October 31 for U.S. Senate and House races, as well as state constitutional amendments. Similar options for in-person absentee voting became available the same day in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Idaho.

The November 3 election will determine whether Republicans maintain their majorities in the House and Senate during the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. Key issues include economic pressures and foreign policy challenges.

Forty-seven states plus Washington, D.C., now offer some form of early in-person voting, a significant expansion from two decades ago. Most states begin their periods in mid-October, though a handful start earlier. Mail ballot options also remain widely available, though the Trump administration has pursued legal actions to limit certain aspects of mail voting.

Voter turnout in early periods has historically influenced final results, with campaigns focusing resources on states with extended voting windows. Registration deadlines and identification requirements vary by state, and officials urge voters to confirm their status ahead of casting ballots.

Additional states, including Illinois, will launch early voting in the coming days. Election Day itself remains November 3 for the general election.