Early voting began in Ohio on Tuesday as voters headed to the polls in a closely watched midterm election that could help determine whether Republicans retain control of the U.S. Congress or Democrats regain power in Washington.
Ohio’s early voting period officially opened on October 6, with absentee voting also beginning. Election Day is scheduled for November 3.
The state has emerged as an important battleground, with the U.S. Senate race between Republican Jon Husted and former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown among the contests that could influence control of the Senate. Two Ohio House races are also considered highly competitive.
Senate Control at Stake
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning Democrats face a difficult but increasingly competitive path to taking control of the chamber. Ohio is one of several closely contested Senate races being closely monitored ahead of the November election.
Brown, who previously represented Ohio in the Senate, is attempting to return to Washington by defeating Husted, who was appointed to the Senate after Vice President JD Vance left his seat.
The contest has attracted national attention, with President Donald Trump campaigning for Husted and other Republican candidates in Ohio. Trump recently warned voters that Democratic victories could affect the state’s relationship with his administration.
Cost of Living Dominates Campaign
Economic concerns are playing a major role in the election. Rising food, energy and housing costs have become central issues for Ohio voters, while national dissatisfaction with the economy and the Trump administration could influence turnout.
A recent poll found Trump’s approval rating at 32%, its lowest level in the poll, while Democrats held an advantage over Republicans among registered voters nationally. The findings have intensified expectations of a competitive midterm election.
Ohio has traditionally been an important bellwether state, although Republicans have strengthened their position there in recent presidential elections. Trump won Ohio comfortably in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Early Voting Could Shape Turnout
Ohio election officials are encouraging voters to make use of the state’s early and absentee voting options. Early in-person voting runs through the period leading up to November 3, while mailed absentee ballots can also be submitted during the early voting period.
With the Senate, House and Ohio’s statewide races attracting national attention, turnout will be closely watched by both parties.
As Ohio voters begin casting ballots, the state is once again at the centre of the U.S. political battle, with the outcome potentially playing a decisive role in determining who controls Congress for the final two years of President Trump’s current term.
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