Midterm elections in the US: A decisive test for Trump
On November 3, Americans across the country voted for candidates for Congress, governorships, and local government bodies. The election results are expected to significantly impact the political activities of President Donald Trump's administration over the next two years. Kun.uz's correspondent in the US visited polling stations and gathered voters' opinions.
Midterm elections in the US: A decisive assessment for Trump
In the US, midterm elections are organized between the presidential elections held every four years, that is, when two years of the president's term have passed. In this year's elections, Americans are also choosing representatives who play an important role in the country's political life.
During the pre-election process, millions of citizens took advantage of the opportunity to vote early. According to preliminary data, more than 57 million Americans cast their ballots before Election Day. This indicates a high level of interest in the election.
In these elections, the contest is underway for all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate. Additionally, governors in 36 states, state legislatures, and representatives of various local government bodies are being elected.
The electoral process in the capital, Washington, also carries a distinct significance. This is because Washington does not hold US state status and is considered a separate federal district. Therefore, residents of the capital elect a city mayor, not a governor. In addition, they choose members of the city council and a non-voting delegate to Congress.
There are several voting methods in the US. Citizens can send a ballot by mail, drop their voting sheet into special ballot drop boxes, vote at special polling stations before Election Day, or go directly to an election center on Election Day. Voters in Washington are also utilizing these four options.
Here, citizens are voting for the candidates they deem worthy.
Politically, these elections, above all, will determine the balance of power between Republicans and Democrats. The Republican Party hopes to maintain the political advantage gained in the presidential election two years ago and to strengthen its control in Congress.
Democrats, on the contrary, aim to win a majority of seats in at least one of the chambers of Congress and limit certain political initiatives of the Donald Trump administration. If they gain control of Congress, it could significantly complicate the president's passage of legislative initiatives.
Therefore, the vote on November 3 will not only determine the new composition of Congress and local government bodies, but will also show the political conditions under which the next two years of Donald Trump's presidency will take place. The election results will serve as an important assessment by American voters of the current administration's policy.