57 Million Voted Early as Both Parties Bet on the Ground Game

Polling places across the United States are open on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as voters cast ballots in the midterm election that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The Associated Press reports that more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of pre-election participation has set the stage for a day where final in-person turnout is expected to be the critical variable for both parties.

The Associated Press describes the election as a referendum on the president's performance, with many voters expressing frustration over high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. According to AP-NORC polling, 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. About 7 in 10 respondents said the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for rising costs. This sentiment is driving the mobilization efforts of both campaigns as they compete for undecided and swing voters.

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized the importance of mobilization in a statement provided to the Associated Press. He said, "Everything depends on turnout. If we turn out our voters, we win, and that's what we've been planning for." Gruters noted that his party was bracing for potential losses in the House while fighting to hold the Senate. The AP states that one or two seats could tip either chamber, making the ground game in battleground districts essential for Republican hopes of maintaining their congressional presence.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene offered a contrasting perspective on the same day. She told the Associated Press, "The American people are angry. They want change." DelBene described the Democratic mood as cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the party believes the current economic dissatisfaction will translate into a net gain of three districts in the House. Democrats need this margin to reclaim the majority, a goal they have pursued through extensive door-to-door operations in the 46 battleground districts identified by Ballotpedia.

The ground game has been a central focus for both parties, with campaigns deploying thousands of volunteers to canvass neighborhoods and knock on doors. In states like Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, these efforts are concentrated in districts where the 2024 presidential margins were narrow. The AP notes that many Republican candidates have kept their distance from the president, who held dozens of rallies ending in Salina, Kansas. Trump's presence on the campaign trail has been a double-edged sword, energizing his base while prompting some voters to scrutinize the cost of living more closely.

Money has played a significant role in shaping the ground game, with the 2026 elections likely becoming the most expensive in history. AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. This financial dynamic has allowed both sides to maintain a robust digital and physical presence, ensuring that voters in key districts are reached with messages tailored to local concerns.

Voters are arriving at polls with a mix of emotions and expectations. Mark Barker, a voter in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, told the Associated Press, "I've just been following Trump the whole time. I really think he's doing an awesome job." In contrast, James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, said, "I'm paying more taxes. I'm paying more for my healthcare. I'm paying more for everything." These personal accounts reflect the broader national debate that is driving the high early vote turnout and the intense focus on final-day mobilization.

The Associated Press reports that Democrats are hoping to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades, a goal that has influenced their ground game strategy in key states. Republicans, meanwhile, are trying to beat the midterm pattern of losing seats by leveraging new congressional maps in states like Florida and Texas. The AP notes that new districts may not vote as drawn, adding a layer of uncertainty to the final tallies. Both parties are counting on their last-minute efforts to sway voters who have not yet committed to a candidate.

As polls close across the country, the focus shifts to the counting process and the final in-person votes. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time, according to Reuters. This administrative preparation is crucial for a smooth transition of power in Congress, with winners in the Senate beginning six-year terms on January 3, 2027. The AP states that if Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely, raising the stakes for the final hours of voting.

The Associated Press highlights that a strong Democratic night would boost potential 2028 candidates, including Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, while complicating the path for Vice President JD Vance. Republicans are counting on their ability to turn out their base in enough districts to maintain a majority in at least one chamber. As the day draws to a close, the outcome will hinge on the effectiveness of the ground game and the final surge of voters who waited until Election Day to cast their ballots.

The Associated Press notes that the election is being watched closely by Wall Street, with Reuters reporting that results could add to investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The financial markets are anticipating a clear mandate from voters, whether it supports the president's agenda or signals a shift in congressional control. As the polls close in the East Coast states, the focus remains on the 57 million early votes and the final in-person turnout that will determine the balance of power in Washington.