Election Day is underway across the United States on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, with reports of heavy turnout, technical problems at some polling places and weather disruptions. Conditions can change through the evening as polls close and results come in.
Turnout Signals in Maine and Mississippi
In Maine, The Maine Monitor reports the state is on track for record midterm turnout, with more than 300,000 people already voting early. Races driving interest include the U.S. Senate contest and local ballot questions. The Maine Monitor is working with the Bangor Daily News and the Portland Press Herald to investigate problems reported at Maine voting locations on Election Day.
In Mississippi, Mississippi Today reports that voters had problems casting ballots across the state on Tuesday, from long lines to machine malfunctions, in what appeared to be heavy turnout for a midterm election. The outlet said it would update its story as more information became available.
Weather, Polling Hours and Local Races
NBC News reports that flash flooding, heavy rainfall and tornadoes have forced election officials in three U.S. regions to move polling locations.
In Kentucky and Indiana, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to LPM. Louisville voters are choosing a mayor, Metro Council members, school board candidates, district judges and a sheriff. Southern Indiana voters are choosing a county sheriff and a state representative. Free rides to the polls are being offered.
Federal Monitors and Voter Help
The Justice Department is sending about 1,000 election monitors to polling places in all 50 states, a significant expansion from earlier elections, according to TheGrio. The department says monitors will observe and report potential violations of federal law. The NAACP has sued, arguing that the deployment could intimidate voters. TANTV News reported separately on federal monitors in Prince George’s County and Virginia.
Voters who run into problems can call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), according to the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
What to Watch for Results
The Star Tribune reports that the outcome of many Minnesota contests will be clear on Election Day, but close races may take longer to determine. NBC News reports that economic issues are top concerns for voters, and that in top Senate race states, gas and grocery costs have risen faster than the national average.
What DMV Voters Should Know
Polls in Maryland and the District of Columbia are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Virginia polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters in line at closing time may still vote. See our guide to election night in the DMV for when results are expected.
