Washington voters check mail ballots and local lines on midterm day

Voters in Bellingham, Marysville, and Lake Stevens are heading to the polls or tracking mail ballots on a day that determines the balance of power in the United States Congress. For Whatcom County, the focus is on the U.S. House races, as every seat in Washington state is on the ballot, along with various state and local offices. The Associated Press describes this midterm election as a referendum on the second term of President Donald Trump, with many voters expressing frustration over high prices and an unpopular war with Iran.

Washington state conducts its elections largely by mail, and the U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time. While in-person voting is available, the state does not have a U.S. Senate or governor election this year. This allows local attention to center on the federal House of Representatives, where all 435 seats are up for grabs. The outcome will determine which party controls the lower chamber for the final two years of the current presidential term.

Poll hours in Washington close at 8 p.m., though opening times may vary by location. Voters can find their specific polling place by visiting vote.gov or checking with their local state election office. Ballotpedia notes that anyone who is in line when the polls close is entitled to cast a ballot. It is crucial for voters to verify their state’s specific ID rules before arriving, as these requirements differ across the country. In Washington, the process is streamlined for those who have already received and returned their mail ballots.

The national stakes are high as Republicans hold 218 House seats and Democrats hold 214, with one independent and several vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can lose no more than two seats to maintain control. Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts, including 25 held by Democrats and 21 held by Republicans. In the Senate, 35 seats are at stake, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control from the Republicans, who currently hold 53 seats.

More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. The AP-NORC polling indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of the president's job performance, while about seven in ten say the country is heading in the wrong direction. This sentiment is driving high turnout, with Republican committees bracing for potential losses in the House while fighting to hold the Senate.

In the governor's races, 36 states are choosing their chief executives. Republicans currently hold 26 governorships, and Democrats hold 24. Democrats would need a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a feat they have not accomplished since 2010. Key matchups include Georgia, where Republican health care executive Rick Jackson faces Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Nevada, where incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo runs against Attorney General Aaron Ford.

The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outspending their Democratic counterparts due to support from Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. This financial disparity has led to intense advertising campaigns, with 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending going to states and districts that the president won in 2024.

In Washington, the lack of a Senate race allows for a clearer focus on the House dynamics that are playing out across the country. The Associated Press notes that if Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight, which could resonate with voters in Whatcom County who are concerned about rising prices.

Voters in the Pacific Northwest are also watching the impact of new congressional maps in several states, including California and Texas, which may not vote as originally drawn. The Associated Press points out that Republicans tried to beat the typical midterm pattern of a president's party losing seats through redistricting, but the results remain uncertain. For now, the focus is on the practicalities of voting, from checking mail ballot status to ensuring proper identification at the polls.

As the day progresses, the U.S. Postal Service continues to process the high volume of mail ballots, a critical component of the election in states like Washington. The Associated Press notes that the administration has faced legal challenges, including a federal judge temporarily barring a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, which critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. This legal backdrop adds a layer of complexity to an election already defined by high stakes and significant financial investment.

With polls set to close at 8 p.m., residents in Bellingham and surrounding areas are making their final preparations to participate in this pivotal moment in American politics. The Associated Press describes the mood as one of cautious optimism for Democrats and bracing for losses for Republicans. The results of this election will shape the political landscape for the next two years, influencing everything from legislative priorities to the path for potential 2028 candidates.