Midterm election: How to follow Tuesday's congressional vote
Voters choose new members of Congress and some governors on Tuesday, with results expected to shape President Trump's remaining term.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
Voters across the United States will cast ballots on Tuesday to determine the new balance of power in Congress. The outcome of these contests will also influence the final two years of President Donald Trump's administration. Campaigns are competitive in numerous districts, and several states will elect new governors.
Television viewers can watch the election unfold on CNN. The network will begin covering the event at 12 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The main broadcast, titled Election Night in America, starts at 4 p.m. ET. Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper will anchor the program from Washington, DC. They will be joined by analysts Dana Bash, Kaitlan Collins, and Erin Burnett.
Subscribers to the CNN All Access streaming platform will have access to 12 hours of live content starting at 7 a.m. ET. This feed provides an unedited look at reporting operations. In the evening, cameras will be placed inside campaign headquarters to capture reactions as races are called. Hosts John Berman and Harry Enten will lead a segment called Office Hours at 7 p.m. ET to answer viewer questions. Subscribers can also access a library of past programs, including The Enten Scale and CNN Explains.
Digital users can track results through the interactive Magic Wall on the CNN app and website. This tool allows users to zoom in on race results down to the county level. The app includes historical data for comparison with previous election cycles and sends real-time notifications for key races. The website features tools to track polling hours, ballot measures, and local elections. It also displays voter polls to show how different demographic groups are voting.
A new tool called CNN Sightline will help viewers interpret the incoming data. It uses modeling from the CNN Decision Desk to provide a real-time assessment of who is favored in each race. The system analyzes where votes come from, compares them to past elections, and estimates the statistical confidence in the results. It also breaks down whether the counted votes are from Election Day, mail-in ballots, or early in-person voting.
Live updates will be posted throughout the day and night on digital platforms. Reporters will share photos and videos from polling stations and candidate events. These updates will cover voting issues, legal challenges, and statements from lawmakers. The coverage will flag when polls close, when CNN makes a projection, and when candidates give victory or concession speeches. Analysts will provide context on the major developments as the night progresses.
