The first polls have closed in US midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans win control of Congress, which would give them the power to block much of President Joe Biden's agenda in the next two years
Motivated by concerns about high inflation and crime, voters are poised to usher in an era of divided government in Washington, despite warnings from Democrats about the erosion of abortion rights and the undermining of democratic norms.
However, many voters said they were motivated by frustration with inflation, which at 8.2%, stands at the highest rate in 40 years. Republicans will have the power to block aid to Ukraine if they win back control of Congress, but analysts say they are more likely to slow or pare back the flow of defence and economic assistance.
The Supreme Court's June decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion had galvanised Democratic voters around the country, temporarily raising the party's hopes they could defy history. Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice yesterday announced it would monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states. Officials in at least one locality - Cole County, Missouri - pushed back against the move.
Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell has already hinted he might refuse to fill an open seat on the top court until after the 2024 presidential election if he returns to the majority leader's position. Meanwhile, the prevalence of election deniers among Republican candidates has elevated down-ballot races that typically receive little attention, including contests for secretary of state, the top election official in most states.
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