Voting is under way in states including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, Georgia and Florida. Vermont was among the first states to begin polling, with voting scheduled from 5am to 7pm.
The elections include all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate. Voters in 36 states are also choosing governors, while state legislative elections are being held across the country.
The midterm elections take place two years after a presidential election and are widely viewed as a public assessment of the sitting president’s performance. Their outcome can reshape the balance of power in Congress and influence the administration’s legislative agenda for the remaining two years of its term.
Muslim candidates have a notable presence in this year’s contests. According to the report, around 51 Muslim candidates are running for different offices, including 10 seeking seats in the House of Representatives. Seven of those congressional candidates are reportedly affiliated with the Democratic Party.
Among the prominent candidates are André Carson of Indiana, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. Other candidates include Dr Adam Hamawy of New Jersey, Aisha Wahab and Lateefah Simon of California, and Daryleiza Avila Chevalier of New York.
Republican candidate Zuhdi Jasser is also contesting an election, while Ehsan Majeed Malik and Elah Ahrar of Virginia are running as independents, according to the report.
The elections will determine the composition of Congress and influence the direction of federal policymaking, legislation and the political debate ahead of the next presidential election.