US voters will head to the polls on Tuesday in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress and shape the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term.
Here is a guide to the vote, based on reporting by the BBC.
What are the midterms?
Congressional elections are held every two years. Those that fall halfway through a president’s four-year term are known as the midterms.
Voters choose lawmakers for the two chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The results determine which party controls each chamber and are often seen as a test of support for the president.
Who is being elected?
All 435 seats in the House are up for election. Representatives serve two-year terms.
Senators serve six-year terms, with roughly one-third of the 100 seats contested in each regular election cycle. Special elections can add to that number.
Voters will also choose governors and other state and local officials in many parts of the country. Governor races in California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan are expected to attract particular attention.
What are the key issues?
The cost of living is a concern for voters facing high prices for housing, groceries, fuel and health care. Democrats have also argued that Trump’s trade tariffs push up prices.
Immigration remains a major issue. Republicans have backed Trump’s efforts to tighten border controls and crack down on illegal immigration, while critics have challenged his administration’s enforcement tactics.
Artificial intelligence is also drawing attention, with lawmakers debating whether the technology needs further regulation.
Why does control of Congress matter?
Congress makes federal laws and oversees the executive branch. Republicans entered the election cycle controlling both the House and Senate.
If Democrats win either chamber, they could make it harder for Trump to pass legislation and use congressional committees to investigate his administration. A Democratic-controlled House could also vote to impeach him, although removal from office would require a Senate trial and a two-thirds vote to convict.
If Republicans retain both chambers, Trump would have a clearer path to advancing his agenda, though support from his own party would still be needed.
Who might win?
The president’s party has historically tended to lose seats in midterm elections, but the outcome depends on individual races and voter turnout.
Many congressional seats are considered safe for one party or the other, making a smaller number of competitive contests decisive. Changes to the boundaries of House districts could also affect the results.
What does it mean for Trump?
Trump is not on the ballot, but the results will be interpreted as a verdict on his presidency.
He cannot be elected president a third time. After the midterms, attention is likely to turn increasingly to potential Republican and Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
