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Midterm Election Updates: Voters Head to the Polls Across the Country Midterm Election Live Updates: Voters Head to Polls Across the Country
(35 minutes later)
Voters on Tuesday waited out winding lines at their polling places and trudged through often unpleasant weather conditions to turn out in what both parties expected to be extraordinary numbers for a midterm election.Voters on Tuesday waited out winding lines at their polling places and trudged through often unpleasant weather conditions to turn out in what both parties expected to be extraordinary numbers for a midterm election.
As of Tuesday afternoon, technical issues were reported at the polls in some corners of the country, including Georgia. But mostly the early hours seemed to approximate a typical Election Day — albeit one with uncommon intensity in a non-presidential year — as candidates blitzed their states and districts to whip up 11th-hour support and cast ballots themselves.As of Tuesday afternoon, technical issues were reported at the polls in some corners of the country, including Georgia. But mostly the early hours seemed to approximate a typical Election Day — albeit one with uncommon intensity in a non-presidential year — as candidates blitzed their states and districts to whip up 11th-hour support and cast ballots themselves.
Polls start closing at 6 p.m. Eastern Time: Here is a full list of closing times.Polls start closing at 6 p.m. Eastern Time: Here is a full list of closing times.
Until then, come back here all day for news and check-ins with voters and candidates across the country.Until then, come back here all day for news and check-ins with voters and candidates across the country.
Will Republicans hold onto their majorities in the House and Senate?Will Republicans hold onto their majorities in the House and Senate?
Will President Trump’s supporters come out in force at the polls once again? Will a “blue wave” happen?Will President Trump’s supporters come out in force at the polls once again? Will a “blue wave” happen?
Will Georgia elect Brian Kemp or Stacey Abrams its next governor — or will the two end up in a runoff, if a libertarian candidate keeps either from breaking 50 percent?Will Georgia elect Brian Kemp or Stacey Abrams its next governor — or will the two end up in a runoff, if a libertarian candidate keeps either from breaking 50 percent?
Will Florida make Andrew Gillum its first black governor, or choose a Trump ally who warned voters not to “monkey this up” by backing Mr. Gillum?Will Florida make Andrew Gillum its first black governor, or choose a Trump ally who warned voters not to “monkey this up” by backing Mr. Gillum?
Will Representative Beto O’Rourke pull off the upset of the year and beat Senator Ted Cruz of Texas in the 2018 midterm elections?Will Representative Beto O’Rourke pull off the upset of the year and beat Senator Ted Cruz of Texas in the 2018 midterm elections?
WINTERVILLE, Ga. — Brian Kemp, the Republican nominee for governor of Georgia who is locked in an intensely competitive race against Stacey Abrams, said Tuesday afternoon that he was pleased with the day’s election management.WINTERVILLE, Ga. — Brian Kemp, the Republican nominee for governor of Georgia who is locked in an intensely competitive race against Stacey Abrams, said Tuesday afternoon that he was pleased with the day’s election management.
“It’s been very smooth all day long,” Mr. Kemp, who as secretary of state is Georgia’s chief elections administrator, said after he cast his ballot in Winterville. “We’re getting the normal questions of people calling, asking where do they go vote, are they registered. Nothing unusual at all.”“It’s been very smooth all day long,” Mr. Kemp, who as secretary of state is Georgia’s chief elections administrator, said after he cast his ballot in Winterville. “We’re getting the normal questions of people calling, asking where do they go vote, are they registered. Nothing unusual at all.”
Officials in Gwinnett County, near Atlanta, had said that four of the county’s precincts had suffered technical delays as voting began on Tuesday.Officials in Gwinnett County, near Atlanta, had said that four of the county’s precincts had suffered technical delays as voting began on Tuesday.
Joe Sorenson, a spokesman for the county, said the precincts had reported issues with the system that creates voter access cards for Georgia’s electronic polling system. “We’ve got people who are voting with the paper ballots, and we’ve got people who are standing to wait for the machines to be fixed, and we’ve got people who said they are planning to come back,” he said. “We’ve got people who are voting with the paper ballots, and we’ve got people who are standing to wait for the machines to be fixed, and we’ve got people who said they are planning to come back,” said Joe Sorenson, a spokesman for the county.
Elections officials in Cobb County, Ga., which has a population of about 755,000 and has long been a bastion of Republican influence in Georgia, reported 90-minute lines at some polling stations.
“It’s a perfect storm,” said Janine Eveler, the director of the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration. “The turnout has been higher than any midterm that we’ve had before; there’s a ballot that has many different constitutional amendments that are hard for people to read through and get through the ballot quickly; and we have have over 600 of our machines unavailable” because of litigation.
A spokeswoman for Ms. Abrams’s campaign did not immediately respond to a message about reports of voting troubles, but other Georgia Democrats said that, despite the scattered problems, they saw few indications of widespread troubles.
“In the Seventh Congressional District, there are 124 precincts, and it’s looking good,” said Carolyn Bourdeaux, the Democratic nominee for a House seat in a district near Atlanta. “There have been a couple of little glitches, but all in all, things are going very smoothly.”
Mr. Kemp noted Tuesday’s heavy turnout and acknowledged scattered reports of trouble in some parts of metro Atlanta, but he denied any widespread problems.Mr. Kemp noted Tuesday’s heavy turnout and acknowledged scattered reports of trouble in some parts of metro Atlanta, but he denied any widespread problems.
“People in Georgia are voting,” he said. “They’re not having any accessibility problems to be able to vote in this great state.”“People in Georgia are voting,” he said. “They’re not having any accessibility problems to be able to vote in this great state.”
Mr. Kemp himself did not encounter problems when he went to vote at the train depot in Winterville: He entered the polling place at 1:59 p.m. and emerged nine minutes later.Mr. Kemp himself did not encounter problems when he went to vote at the train depot in Winterville: He entered the polling place at 1:59 p.m. and emerged nine minutes later.
— Alan Blinder— Alan Blinder
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Holding his 16-month-old son in one arm and his ballot in another, Andrew Gillum cast a vote for himself on Tuesday to be the next governor of Florida, turning a visit to his precinct inside a Catholic church into a family affair.TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Holding his 16-month-old son in one arm and his ballot in another, Andrew Gillum cast a vote for himself on Tuesday to be the next governor of Florida, turning a visit to his precinct inside a Catholic church into a family affair.
“I tried to look over and see what she was doing,” Mr. Gillum, the mayor of Tallahassee and a Democrat, joked about his wife, R. Jai, who joined him, along with their 4-year-old twins.“I tried to look over and see what she was doing,” Mr. Gillum, the mayor of Tallahassee and a Democrat, joked about his wife, R. Jai, who joined him, along with their 4-year-old twins.
“I voted for you!” she reassured him.“I voted for you!” she reassured him.
A crush of news cameras trailed the Gillums, a marked difference from when he voted with little fanfare in the August primary. Then, he was a long shot for his party’s nomination. Now, he’s a 2018 star with a national following. He is trying to defeat former Representative Ron DeSantis, his Republican opponent.A crush of news cameras trailed the Gillums, a marked difference from when he voted with little fanfare in the August primary. Then, he was a long shot for his party’s nomination. Now, he’s a 2018 star with a national following. He is trying to defeat former Representative Ron DeSantis, his Republican opponent.
In blue Tallahassee, Mr. Gillum attracted a flock of fans who cheered him on.In blue Tallahassee, Mr. Gillum attracted a flock of fans who cheered him on.
“I’m not happy with the way the country’s going. I’d like to make some changes,” said Natalie Marino, 51, a Democrat who cast her ballot moments before Mr. Gillum’s arrival. “Hopefully I can help.”“I’m not happy with the way the country’s going. I’d like to make some changes,” said Natalie Marino, 51, a Democrat who cast her ballot moments before Mr. Gillum’s arrival. “Hopefully I can help.”
Under a light drizzle, Mr. Gillum spoke to reporters, looking tired after a midnight concert and rally featuring P. Diddy, D.J. Khaled and Migos.Under a light drizzle, Mr. Gillum spoke to reporters, looking tired after a midnight concert and rally featuring P. Diddy, D.J. Khaled and Migos.
“Us winning tonight I think will send a message to Mr. Trump, and Mr. DeSantis as well, that the politics of hatred and division, of separation, that they’ve come to an end,” he said.“Us winning tonight I think will send a message to Mr. Trump, and Mr. DeSantis as well, that the politics of hatred and division, of separation, that they’ve come to an end,” he said.
As for the possibility that he could become Florida’s first African-American governor? “We’ll worry about history later,” Mr. Gillum said.As for the possibility that he could become Florida’s first African-American governor? “We’ll worry about history later,” Mr. Gillum said.
— Patricia Mazzei— Patricia Mazzei
A two-page ballot appears to have caused havoc for scanning machines at polling places across New York City, as scores of broken scanners brought voting to a standstill at many locations.
By 10 a.m., all four scanners at Public School 130 in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, had broken down, freezing the line of voters who stood shoulder-to-shoulder as the line grew out the door. The police was called in to help. One officer opened emergency ballot boxes beneath each scanner. Voters were told to tuck their ballots, which would be counted later, through slits in the boxes.
Voters reported that scanners were down at Public School 165 on the Upper West Side, Queens Library at Peninsula in Rockaway Beach and Church of the Holy Trinity on the Upper East Side, among other places.
“I’ve voted in every election since I turned 19 in 2003, and never have I had such a hard time voting,” Elizabeth Goetz of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, wrote in an email. “No signage, super long lines, chaos, not enough ballot sleeves or privacy booths, and worst of all, four out of four scanning machines were down at P.S. 22.” Read more here.
— Andy Newman and Azi Paybarah
Voters in several states told The New York Times they received a text message, claiming to be from a local or state-level political group, that directed them to an incorrect polling place. This may be an example of deliberate disinformation, or it may just be that some of the voter registration data used by campaigns in their peer-to-peer texting programs is outdated or incorrect. Either way, voters who need information about their polling places should check with their state election office, or on a trusted nonpartisan site like Vote411.Voters in several states told The New York Times they received a text message, claiming to be from a local or state-level political group, that directed them to an incorrect polling place. This may be an example of deliberate disinformation, or it may just be that some of the voter registration data used by campaigns in their peer-to-peer texting programs is outdated or incorrect. Either way, voters who need information about their polling places should check with their state election office, or on a trusted nonpartisan site like Vote411.
Voters in Florida have also reported receiving suspicious text messages that claim to be from volunteers with the campaign of Andrew Gillum, the Democrat running for governor there. According to a screenshot of one text message reviewed by The Times, the messages claim that Mr. Gillum plans to raise taxes on people earning over $25,000 a year, and that he opposes the state’s “stand your ground” law because it is a “racist ideology.”Voters in Florida have also reported receiving suspicious text messages that claim to be from volunteers with the campaign of Andrew Gillum, the Democrat running for governor there. According to a screenshot of one text message reviewed by The Times, the messages claim that Mr. Gillum plans to raise taxes on people earning over $25,000 a year, and that he opposes the state’s “stand your ground” law because it is a “racist ideology.”
A spokeswoman for Mr. Gillum said the campaign did not send the message.A spokeswoman for Mr. Gillum said the campaign did not send the message.
— Kevin Roose— Kevin Roose
EL PASO, Tex. — Coffee mug in hand, Representative Beto O’Rourke voted Tuesday morning at a polling site down the street from his home in downtown El Paso.EL PASO, Tex. — Coffee mug in hand, Representative Beto O’Rourke voted Tuesday morning at a polling site down the street from his home in downtown El Paso.
Mr. O’Rourke has been trying to unseat Senator Ted Cruz and become the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. As a pack of journalists surrounded him outside, he was asked if he expected to win.Mr. O’Rourke has been trying to unseat Senator Ted Cruz and become the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. As a pack of journalists surrounded him outside, he was asked if he expected to win.
“Yes,” he replied.“Yes,” he replied.
He said he wasn’t basing that feeling on the polls. “I just have traveled to every single county in Texas and listened to everybody,” said Mr. O’Rourke, as his wife and three children stood by his side. “I have so many amazing volunteers that we’re working with, knocking on millions of doors, making that human-to-human connection that we are in such desperate need of at this moment of division in the country. I feel it.”He said he wasn’t basing that feeling on the polls. “I just have traveled to every single county in Texas and listened to everybody,” said Mr. O’Rourke, as his wife and three children stood by his side. “I have so many amazing volunteers that we’re working with, knocking on millions of doors, making that human-to-human connection that we are in such desperate need of at this moment of division in the country. I feel it.”
He answered a few more questions, in Spanish and English, and then cut things short.He answered a few more questions, in Spanish and English, and then cut things short.
“We’re going to walk back to our house right now,” he said, “and get these guys to school.”“We’re going to walk back to our house right now,” he said, “and get these guys to school.”
Mr. Cruz, the Republican firebrand not known for his lack of confidence, was asked on Monday if he had thought about losing.Mr. Cruz, the Republican firebrand not known for his lack of confidence, was asked on Monday if he had thought about losing.
“Of course,” said Mr. Cruz. The senator spoke with on his “Tough as Texas” campaign bus before a rally in the Houston suburb of Cypress, sitting with his legs crossed on a leather seat as the aroma of fried chicken filled the bus.“Of course,” said Mr. Cruz. The senator spoke with on his “Tough as Texas” campaign bus before a rally in the Houston suburb of Cypress, sitting with his legs crossed on a leather seat as the aroma of fried chicken filled the bus.
“Every election, it is the voters who decide,” Mr. Cruz said. “And I have always believed that every elected official has to make the case to the men and women you represent, why you deserve to remain in office, why you have kept your promises and kept your word.”“Every election, it is the voters who decide,” Mr. Cruz said. “And I have always believed that every elected official has to make the case to the men and women you represent, why you deserve to remain in office, why you have kept your promises and kept your word.”
Less than an hour later, Mr. Cruz stood on a stage and told a cheering crowd, “We are going to win this race.”Less than an hour later, Mr. Cruz stood on a stage and told a cheering crowd, “We are going to win this race.”
— Manny Fernandez and Mitchell Ferman— Manny Fernandez and Mitchell Ferman
CHAPMANVILLE, W.Va. — Voters trickled into the local high school on a warm rainy morning. Many said they came more for Mr. Trump than for any local candidate.CHAPMANVILLE, W.Va. — Voters trickled into the local high school on a warm rainy morning. Many said they came more for Mr. Trump than for any local candidate.
“This is the first time in a long time I feel like I’m making a difference,” said Chance Bradley, a hardware store worker. He said he came to vote for a measure on the West Virginia ballot that would effectively end state funding for abortion. “With Trump, everything’s changed. Now people are out talking about what’s going on. I actually hear voices talking about things that matter. I feel like an American again.”“This is the first time in a long time I feel like I’m making a difference,” said Chance Bradley, a hardware store worker. He said he came to vote for a measure on the West Virginia ballot that would effectively end state funding for abortion. “With Trump, everything’s changed. Now people are out talking about what’s going on. I actually hear voices talking about things that matter. I feel like an American again.”
But others came because they didn’t like Mr. Trump.But others came because they didn’t like Mr. Trump.
“The truth ain’t in him,” said Carl Blevins, 60, a retired coal miner who said he voted for Senator Joe Manchin, the Democratic incumbent. He said he could not understand how miners could vote for the Republican candidate, Patrick Morrisey, who he believes will cut benefits for retired miners. “I don’t know what’s wrong with these people. They’ll fight you over Trump. I can’t understand it. I think they put something in the water.”“The truth ain’t in him,” said Carl Blevins, 60, a retired coal miner who said he voted for Senator Joe Manchin, the Democratic incumbent. He said he could not understand how miners could vote for the Republican candidate, Patrick Morrisey, who he believes will cut benefits for retired miners. “I don’t know what’s wrong with these people. They’ll fight you over Trump. I can’t understand it. I think they put something in the water.”
He added: “There’s a man who lives up there, he’s all bent over and disabled. He has Morrisey signs all over his yard. He might as well go get a shotgun and blow his brains out. That’s what he’s asking for.”He added: “There’s a man who lives up there, he’s all bent over and disabled. He has Morrisey signs all over his yard. He might as well go get a shotgun and blow his brains out. That’s what he’s asking for.”
A representative of the West Virginia secretary of state’s office, Lee Dean, said the polling place at the high school in Champmanville was empty in comparison to the bustle during the primary in May.A representative of the West Virginia secretary of state’s office, Lee Dean, said the polling place at the high school in Champmanville was empty in comparison to the bustle during the primary in May.
— Sabrina Tavernise— Sabrina Tavernise
[The election in pictures: Our photographers are spread across the country, documenting the final moments.][The election in pictures: Our photographers are spread across the country, documenting the final moments.]
PHOENIX — Some voters fret about jobs on Election Day. Others cite immigration as their top concern. Wayne Cutts, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, worries about his teeth.PHOENIX — Some voters fret about jobs on Election Day. Others cite immigration as their top concern. Wayne Cutts, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, worries about his teeth.
Mr. Cutts, 61, relocated to Phoenix earlier this year from Philadelphia. After staying briefly in his son’s cramped home, he moved into a shelter for homeless veterans. At a recent veterans’ forum here, he stood up and explained how difficult it was for him to get a set of dentures through the Department of Veterans Affairs.Mr. Cutts, 61, relocated to Phoenix earlier this year from Philadelphia. After staying briefly in his son’s cramped home, he moved into a shelter for homeless veterans. At a recent veterans’ forum here, he stood up and explained how difficult it was for him to get a set of dentures through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
But Mr. Cutts said he was moved to participate in this year’s election after Representative Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic Senate nominee, contacted the V.A. on his behalf. Ms. Sinema is running against Representative Martha McSally, a Republican and retired military officer.But Mr. Cutts said he was moved to participate in this year’s election after Representative Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic Senate nominee, contacted the V.A. on his behalf. Ms. Sinema is running against Representative Martha McSally, a Republican and retired military officer.
“Sinema got me my teeth,” said Mr. Cutts, who voted early Tuesday morning in Phoenix before offering rides to polling stations for fellow homeless veterans. “The least I could do is lend a hand.”“Sinema got me my teeth,” said Mr. Cutts, who voted early Tuesday morning in Phoenix before offering rides to polling stations for fellow homeless veterans. “The least I could do is lend a hand.”
By mid-morning, Mr. Cutts, an Uber driver at the helm of a Kia Sorento, had already taken four people to the polls. He declined to accept any payment for the rides, and said he tried to refrain from persuading occupants in his vehicle to vote for one candidate or another.By mid-morning, Mr. Cutts, an Uber driver at the helm of a Kia Sorento, had already taken four people to the polls. He declined to accept any payment for the rides, and said he tried to refrain from persuading occupants in his vehicle to vote for one candidate or another.
Still, Mr. Cutts, who said he took part in the United States’ invasion of Grenada in 1983 and in the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991, explained that he couldn’t resist doing some campaigning for Ms. Sinema and other Democrats while navigating the sprawl of Phoenix.Still, Mr. Cutts, who said he took part in the United States’ invasion of Grenada in 1983 and in the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991, explained that he couldn’t resist doing some campaigning for Ms. Sinema and other Democrats while navigating the sprawl of Phoenix.
“I’ve voted for Democrats before and I’ve voted for Republicans,” Mr. Cutts explained. “This year it’s clear who I’m going to vote for: anyone who avoids all the hate talk and just gets things done.”“I’ve voted for Democrats before and I’ve voted for Republicans,” Mr. Cutts explained. “This year it’s clear who I’m going to vote for: anyone who avoids all the hate talk and just gets things done.”
— Simon Romero— Simon Romero
ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Florida experts estimate that about 30,000 to 50,000 Puerto Ricans moved to Central Florida after Hurricane Maria toppled homes and knocked out power on the island last year. Central Florida was already home to more than 330,000 people from the island.ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Florida experts estimate that about 30,000 to 50,000 Puerto Ricans moved to Central Florida after Hurricane Maria toppled homes and knocked out power on the island last year. Central Florida was already home to more than 330,000 people from the island.
“The Puerto Ricans who moved to vote, did that to reject Trump,” said Martín Coto Colón, 66. “If the Republicans lose, it’s because of him.”“The Puerto Ricans who moved to vote, did that to reject Trump,” said Martín Coto Colón, 66. “If the Republicans lose, it’s because of him.”
Mr. Coto, a retired worker at a drug rehab facility, has been living in Central Florida for about 10 years. He and other Puerto Ricans lined up to cast ballots at the Orlando retirement community where they live.Mr. Coto, a retired worker at a drug rehab facility, has been living in Central Florida for about 10 years. He and other Puerto Ricans lined up to cast ballots at the Orlando retirement community where they live.
He predicted that Puerto Ricans, like him, would vote for Mayor Andrew Gillum of Tallahassee to become governor, because his opponent, Ron DeSantis, a former congressman from northern Florida, is too chummy with the president.He predicted that Puerto Ricans, like him, would vote for Mayor Andrew Gillum of Tallahassee to become governor, because his opponent, Ron DeSantis, a former congressman from northern Florida, is too chummy with the president.
“What Trump did when he visited Puerto Rico was nasty,” Mr. Coto said. “He was throwing toilet paper! That was a lack of respect.”“What Trump did when he visited Puerto Rico was nasty,” Mr. Coto said. “He was throwing toilet paper! That was a lack of respect.”
Mr. Coto, a Democrat, said he voted for the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Gov. Rick Scott. He did so because Mr. Scott visited the island at least eight times and sent support after the storm.Mr. Coto, a Democrat, said he voted for the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Gov. Rick Scott. He did so because Mr. Scott visited the island at least eight times and sent support after the storm.
A recent report from the Pew Research Center showed that the number of Puerto Ricans eligible to vote in Florida now matched the number of Cuban-Americans — who have long held political might. Civic groups have boasted that they registered at least 40,000 Puerto Ricans this election season.A recent report from the Pew Research Center showed that the number of Puerto Ricans eligible to vote in Florida now matched the number of Cuban-Americans — who have long held political might. Civic groups have boasted that they registered at least 40,000 Puerto Ricans this election season.
“They are going to vote, because there are still a lot of struggles,” said Noelia Dávila, a retired physical therapist originally from Puerto Rico, said after casting her ballot at the Starlight Ranch community center. “For us, the most important issue is housing.”“They are going to vote, because there are still a lot of struggles,” said Noelia Dávila, a retired physical therapist originally from Puerto Rico, said after casting her ballot at the Starlight Ranch community center. “For us, the most important issue is housing.”
Ms. Davila said she too had cast a vote for Mr. Gillum — although she could not recall his name. “He’ll support us,” she said. “He knows what it’s like to be out there without protection.”Ms. Davila said she too had cast a vote for Mr. Gillum — although she could not recall his name. “He’ll support us,” she said. “He knows what it’s like to be out there without protection.”
— Frances Robles— Frances Robles
Georgia has been a battleground over voting rights, made only more complicated because the Republican candidate for governor, Brian Kemp, is also the secretary of state overseeing the election. And just two days before the election, Mr. Kemp threw a wrench into the proceedings when his office announced that it would investigate the Georgia Democratic Party for allegedly trying to hack the state’s voter registration system — an explosive claim for which officials provided no evidence.Georgia has been a battleground over voting rights, made only more complicated because the Republican candidate for governor, Brian Kemp, is also the secretary of state overseeing the election. And just two days before the election, Mr. Kemp threw a wrench into the proceedings when his office announced that it would investigate the Georgia Democratic Party for allegedly trying to hack the state’s voter registration system — an explosive claim for which officials provided no evidence.
Last month, it was revealed that Mr. Kemp’s office had frozen more than 50,000 voter applications, most of them from minority residents, because names on applications didn’t match those on government IDs. In some cases, these discrepancies were as small as a dropped hyphen. When early voting began last month, more problems emerged, including extremely long wait times. But a judge ruled Friday that the state must allow more than 3,000 naturalized citizens whose applications were improperly flagged to vote normally by presenting proof of citizenship.Last month, it was revealed that Mr. Kemp’s office had frozen more than 50,000 voter applications, most of them from minority residents, because names on applications didn’t match those on government IDs. In some cases, these discrepancies were as small as a dropped hyphen. When early voting began last month, more problems emerged, including extremely long wait times. But a judge ruled Friday that the state must allow more than 3,000 naturalized citizens whose applications were improperly flagged to vote normally by presenting proof of citizenship.
[Here’s what voter intimidation looks like and how to report it.][Here’s what voter intimidation looks like and how to report it.]
In North Dakota, opponents of a new residential address requirement lost a last-ditch attempt to stop it when a federal judge said it was too close to Election Day to issue an injunction. [Read more about the requirement and how it’s affecting Native Americans, many of whom don’t use residential addresses.] Advocacy groups are urging Native Americans to show up to the polls even if they don’t have the required identification, and to demand a provisional ballot if they are turned away. After Election Day, the groups might ask the courts to order those ballots counted.In North Dakota, opponents of a new residential address requirement lost a last-ditch attempt to stop it when a federal judge said it was too close to Election Day to issue an injunction. [Read more about the requirement and how it’s affecting Native Americans, many of whom don’t use residential addresses.] Advocacy groups are urging Native Americans to show up to the polls even if they don’t have the required identification, and to demand a provisional ballot if they are turned away. After Election Day, the groups might ask the courts to order those ballots counted.
Elsewhere, a court ruled late last month that voters in Shelby County, Tenn., must be allowed to correct errors or omissions on their voter registration forms and vote normally on Election Day. And among other controversies in Kansas — where Secretary of State Kris Kobach is, like Mr. Kemp in Georgia, the Republican candidate for governor — voters in Hispanic-majority Dodge City have to go outside the city limits to find their polling place, which is the only one for an electorate of 27,000.Elsewhere, a court ruled late last month that voters in Shelby County, Tenn., must be allowed to correct errors or omissions on their voter registration forms and vote normally on Election Day. And among other controversies in Kansas — where Secretary of State Kris Kobach is, like Mr. Kemp in Georgia, the Republican candidate for governor — voters in Hispanic-majority Dodge City have to go outside the city limits to find their polling place, which is the only one for an electorate of 27,000.
— Maggie Astor— Maggie Astor
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The show onstage might well have been called Fox & Friend. As President Trump wrapped up the midterm election cycle with a late-night rally in southeast Missouri on Monday, he was joined by a trio of conservative media rock stars: the radio host Rush Limbaugh, and the Fox News personalities Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro, who delivered speeches backing the president.CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The show onstage might well have been called Fox & Friend. As President Trump wrapped up the midterm election cycle with a late-night rally in southeast Missouri on Monday, he was joined by a trio of conservative media rock stars: the radio host Rush Limbaugh, and the Fox News personalities Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro, who delivered speeches backing the president.
The participation of the Fox hosts in a political rally struck even executives at the network as inappropriate. “Fox News does not condone any talent participating in campaign events,” the network said in a statement on Tuesday. “We have an extraordinary team of journalists helming our coverage tonight, and we are extremely proud of their work. This was an unfortunate distraction and has been addressed.”The participation of the Fox hosts in a political rally struck even executives at the network as inappropriate. “Fox News does not condone any talent participating in campaign events,” the network said in a statement on Tuesday. “We have an extraordinary team of journalists helming our coverage tonight, and we are extremely proud of their work. This was an unfortunate distraction and has been addressed.”
How it was addressed the network did not say. Mr. Hannity followed up with his own statement saying that Mr. Trump’s invitation to come on stage was spontaneous, but the popular conservative host expressed no regret about accepting. Read more here.How it was addressed the network did not say. Mr. Hannity followed up with his own statement saying that Mr. Trump’s invitation to come on stage was spontaneous, but the popular conservative host expressed no regret about accepting. Read more here.
— Peter Baker— Peter Baker
Voters across the country will decide on ballot initiatives that address a range of hot-button issues. Here are a few of the big ones.Voters across the country will decide on ballot initiatives that address a range of hot-button issues. Here are a few of the big ones.
Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana is on the ballot in Michigan and North Dakota. The North Dakota initiative, Measure 3, would also expunge marijuana convictions from criminal records; the Michigan initiative, Proposal 1, would not.Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana is on the ballot in Michigan and North Dakota. The North Dakota initiative, Measure 3, would also expunge marijuana convictions from criminal records; the Michigan initiative, Proposal 1, would not.
Medical marijuana is on the ballot in Utah and Missouri. Missouri has three separate initiatives that would legalize medical marijuana: Amendment 2, Amendment 3 and Proposition C.Medical marijuana is on the ballot in Utah and Missouri. Missouri has three separate initiatives that would legalize medical marijuana: Amendment 2, Amendment 3 and Proposition C.
In Washington State, voters will weigh in on Initiative 1631, which would charge companies and utilities that burn fossil fuels $15 for each ton of gases they produce (the penalty would rise over time). It is one of several ballot measures across the country that aim to fight climate change, including a statewide fracking ban in Colorado and renewable energy requirements in Arizona and Nevada.In Washington State, voters will weigh in on Initiative 1631, which would charge companies and utilities that burn fossil fuels $15 for each ton of gases they produce (the penalty would rise over time). It is one of several ballot measures across the country that aim to fight climate change, including a statewide fracking ban in Colorado and renewable energy requirements in Arizona and Nevada.
A ballot initiative in Massachusetts, Question 3, will ask voters if they want a landmark 2016 transgender rights law to remain on the books. The law, which was passed by the Democratic legislature and signed by the Republican governor, prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in public places, like bathrooms. Question 3 is the first-ever attempt to undo a transgender rights law at the ballot box.A ballot initiative in Massachusetts, Question 3, will ask voters if they want a landmark 2016 transgender rights law to remain on the books. The law, which was passed by the Democratic legislature and signed by the Republican governor, prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in public places, like bathrooms. Question 3 is the first-ever attempt to undo a transgender rights law at the ballot box.
In Washington and Oregon, voters will decide on measures to prohibit local taxes on food sales. Companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have backed those initiatives as a way to combat taxes on sugary drinks like soda, which are an increasingly popular public health tool.In Washington and Oregon, voters will decide on measures to prohibit local taxes on food sales. Companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have backed those initiatives as a way to combat taxes on sugary drinks like soda, which are an increasingly popular public health tool.
A number of ballot initiatives will also address thorny health care issues, including measures that would expand Medicaid in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah, and one in Montana that would revoke Medicaid expansion for low-income childless adults.A number of ballot initiatives will also address thorny health care issues, including measures that would expand Medicaid in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah, and one in Montana that would revoke Medicaid expansion for low-income childless adults.
Voters in West Virginia and Alabama will decide on constitutional amendments that would specify that there is no guaranteed right to abortion in those states. The proposals would not ban abortion if they were to pass, but that could change if Roe v. Wade were someday overturned.Voters in West Virginia and Alabama will decide on constitutional amendments that would specify that there is no guaranteed right to abortion in those states. The proposals would not ban abortion if they were to pass, but that could change if Roe v. Wade were someday overturned.
— Liam Stack— Liam Stack
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — After two years of intractable political fights, with sanity and humanity seemingly on pause, Debbie Eschbacher’s motivation to vote was really pretty simple: “The fact that I don’t like liberals yelling at people anymore.”CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — After two years of intractable political fights, with sanity and humanity seemingly on pause, Debbie Eschbacher’s motivation to vote was really pretty simple: “The fact that I don’t like liberals yelling at people anymore.”
So was Jay Kim’s: “Our current president’s tactics are dividing the country. It is time for someone to check and balance power.”So was Jay Kim’s: “Our current president’s tactics are dividing the country. It is time for someone to check and balance power.”
The two 57-year-old political independents walked into the same early childhood center in this mostly affluent, mostly white St. Louis suburb a few minutes apart early Tuesday morning. Ms. Eschbacher, who works in sales, supported Josh Hawley, the Republican championed by President Trump in this exceedingly tight Senate race. Mr. Kim, a lawyer, backed Senator Claire McCaskill, the incumbent Democrat trying to hold on for a third term.The two 57-year-old political independents walked into the same early childhood center in this mostly affluent, mostly white St. Louis suburb a few minutes apart early Tuesday morning. Ms. Eschbacher, who works in sales, supported Josh Hawley, the Republican championed by President Trump in this exceedingly tight Senate race. Mr. Kim, a lawyer, backed Senator Claire McCaskill, the incumbent Democrat trying to hold on for a third term.
“I’ve been waiting for literally two years for this time,” Mr. Kim said with resignation. He said he remained “dumbfounded” by Mr. Trump and his party.“I’ve been waiting for literally two years for this time,” Mr. Kim said with resignation. He said he remained “dumbfounded” by Mr. Trump and his party.
Ms. Eschbacher pulled out of her pocket a worn voting sticker from 2016 — a talisman of sorts she hoped would help complete the shake-up started then.Ms. Eschbacher pulled out of her pocket a worn voting sticker from 2016 — a talisman of sorts she hoped would help complete the shake-up started then.
“The liberals think they are right, but they are wrong and we are going to prove that today,” she said with a laugh.“The liberals think they are right, but they are wrong and we are going to prove that today,” she said with a laugh.
— Nicholas Fandos— Nicholas Fandos
After former Vice President Joe Biden cast his ballot in Wilmington, Del., Tuesday morning, he stopped to chat with reporters and offer a few electoral predictions.After former Vice President Joe Biden cast his ballot in Wilmington, Del., Tuesday morning, he stopped to chat with reporters and offer a few electoral predictions.
Mr. Biden said he’d be shocked if Democrats lost the House, that he expected his party to pick up several governorships and that it had a chance of winning the Senate.Mr. Biden said he’d be shocked if Democrats lost the House, that he expected his party to pick up several governorships and that it had a chance of winning the Senate.
But whatever the outcome, he didn’t expect the results to influence President Trump.But whatever the outcome, he didn’t expect the results to influence President Trump.
“I’ve never seen him learn a lesson. I’m not being facetious,” he said. “I don’t think he learns lessons.”“I’ve never seen him learn a lesson. I’m not being facetious,” he said. “I don’t think he learns lessons.”
Mr. Biden has been an active presence on the campaign trail, as he considers whether to challenge Mr. Trump in 2020. He told reporters that plans to watch the results tonight like much of the country: At home, with his family, on a big screen T.V.Mr. Biden has been an active presence on the campaign trail, as he considers whether to challenge Mr. Trump in 2020. He told reporters that plans to watch the results tonight like much of the country: At home, with his family, on a big screen T.V.
— Lisa Lerer— Lisa Lerer
OREM, Utah — After dark on Monday night, Representative Mia Love strode across a campaign office as an army of young volunteers speed-dialed voters.OREM, Utah — After dark on Monday night, Representative Mia Love strode across a campaign office as an army of young volunteers speed-dialed voters.
“I can’t wait to put all of this behind us,” said Ms. Love, who as the only black Republican woman in Congress — and as the child of Haitian immigrants — has had to navigate tricky terrain in the Trump era.“I can’t wait to put all of this behind us,” said Ms. Love, who as the only black Republican woman in Congress — and as the child of Haitian immigrants — has had to navigate tricky terrain in the Trump era.
It’s been a challenging few months for the congresswoman, who represents the Republican-leaning suburbs south of Salt Lake City. She faces a challenge from Ben McAdams, a popular local mayor and a Democrat who has tried to tie her to Mr. Trump. While the state is heavily Republican, it is also heavily Mormon, and the president’s crass words have turned many conservatives against him.It’s been a challenging few months for the congresswoman, who represents the Republican-leaning suburbs south of Salt Lake City. She faces a challenge from Ben McAdams, a popular local mayor and a Democrat who has tried to tie her to Mr. Trump. While the state is heavily Republican, it is also heavily Mormon, and the president’s crass words have turned many conservatives against him.
At the same time, Mr. Trump has begun saying he will nullify birthright citizenship — the very constitutional guarantee that makes Ms. Love an American.At the same time, Mr. Trump has begun saying he will nullify birthright citizenship — the very constitutional guarantee that makes Ms. Love an American.
“I’m a daughter of immigrants,” she said, pulling up a chair. “Saying that means I wouldn’t be a U.S. citizen. I was born in New York, both my parents were born in Haiti, they immigrated legally, they went through the process, they worked hard. These are the types of things that you sit there and you have to call him out on it and say: Look, this is not who we are.”“I’m a daughter of immigrants,” she said, pulling up a chair. “Saying that means I wouldn’t be a U.S. citizen. I was born in New York, both my parents were born in Haiti, they immigrated legally, they went through the process, they worked hard. These are the types of things that you sit there and you have to call him out on it and say: Look, this is not who we are.”
Ms. Love has tried to combat attacks from both sides by speaking out against the president.Ms. Love has tried to combat attacks from both sides by speaking out against the president.
Soon, she’ll learn if she did enough.Soon, she’ll learn if she did enough.
In Orem, she recognized the race could come down to just a few hundred votes, and that she might not know the result by the end of Tuesday night. “There’s a very good chance that ours will be close,” she said, “that it will not be called.”In Orem, she recognized the race could come down to just a few hundred votes, and that she might not know the result by the end of Tuesday night. “There’s a very good chance that ours will be close,” she said, “that it will not be called.”
— Julie Turkewitz— Julie Turkewitz