Florida relocates polling stations amid flooding as US midterms begin

Election officials in Florida are temporarily moving 19 polling stations after flooding made the original locations unsafe. Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order on Monday that permits supervisors to change sites when conditions threaten voter access, and the state’s Division of Emergency Management is supplying pumps, generators and other resources to affected areas.

Across the country, polls opened in multiple states on the east coast, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maine and Kentucky, with additional locations in Vermont, North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia slated to open shortly. According to the University of Florida’s Election Lab, more than 58.6 million votes have already been cast, split between in-person early voting and mail ballots.

President Donald Trump, whose Republican Party currently holds the White House and both chambers of Congress, has urged supporters to "pretend I'm on the ballot," a strategy aimed at boosting Republican candidates in local and state races. The president’s campaign has highlighted concerns over the cost of living, which he attributes to recent tariffs and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In the Senate contests that will determine control of the upper chamber, key races include Alaska’s contest between incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, Maine’s race featuring Senator Susan Collins, and open seats in Texas, Kansas and Michigan. Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens of Michigan defended her endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, citing concerns about campaign tactics and inclusivity.

The United States also conducted limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in response to fire from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a development that continues to influence voter sentiment ahead of the elections.

"Pretend I'm on the ballot," President Trump told rally attendees, emphasizing his belief that personal voter enthusiasm will benefit Republican candidates.

"We have the power to vote for the candidates who will bring about the change we need," former President Barack Obama posted on X, urging voters to consider alternatives.

"The opening was utterly bizarre," North America editor Sarah Smith described the president’s Reflecting Pool speech, noting the unusual presentation of campaign imagery.

The outcomes of today’s voting will shape the composition of Congress and affect policy directions for the next two years.