From the Guardian · · 2m
How to watch US midterms in Australia
The 2026 midterm elections begin Wednesday Australian time. Here's when to tune in, which races matter most, and what's at stake for Trump.
In brief
The 2026 midterm elections begin Wednesday Australian time. Here's when to tune in, which races matter most, and what's at stake for Trump. The 2026 US midterm elections begin Wednesday Australian time, with results rolling in from 10pm Tuesday AEDT. Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress and 39…
Trump calls it the most important
Donald Trump has called the 2026 midterms the most important election in our lifetime. Bernie Sanders says it is the most important in modern American history.
“most important in our lifetime”
When polls open and close
Polls open at 10pm AEDT Tuesday in New York and east coast states, rolling across the US throughout the evening. Voting locations close around 10am Wednesday AEDT, with anyone in line eligible to vote.
Key Senate races to watch
Election watchers focus on Senate races for Republican-held seats in Texas, Kansas, Maine, Iowa, Ohio and Alaska, plus close Democratic races in Michigan and Georgia.James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed aim to flip red seats blue.
All House seats and governorships up
Every House seat, 435 of them, is up for re-election as sitting members defend their turf every two years. And 39 governorships, powerful positions to lead states, are also up for election.
Where to watch in Australia
Australia's ABC will run coverage of the election all day on free-to-air television and YouTube as results roll in Wednesday Australian time.
When key races close
Georgia Senate closes at 11am AEDT. Ohio Senate and House at 11:30am. Maine Senate and Florida House at 12pm. Kansas, Texas, Iowa and Michigan races at 1pm. Alaska Senate at 5pm.
Results could take days
Some states report results quickly, others slowly. Democrats tend to vote early in greater numbers, Republicans more in-person, creating a blue mirage. Tight races could take hours or days to call.
What Congress control means
If either chamber switches hands it will be a major thorn in Trump's side and sharply influence his agenda. If both do, he will be in peak lame duck territory.
House and Senate powers differ
The House is needed to pass any legislation and can open investigations or demand testimony from Trump officials. A Democratic Senate could stymie nominations for positions such as the supreme court.
US voting is not like Australia
Voters turn up and vote in person throughout the day, which can present difficulties for anyone working a nine to five job.
What to remember
The 2026 US midterm elections begin Wednesday Australian time, with results rolling in from 10pm Tuesday AEDT. Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress and 39 governorships.
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