Nearly 60 million voters cast ballots before Tuesday's election
Federal monitors reach all 50 states as voters decide control of Congress.
By Jack Weber ·
Nearly 60 million Americans have already voted in this year's congressional elections. This figure represents a portion of the roughly 250 million eligible voters, according to Pew Research Center.
Voters are deciding the fate of all 435 U.S. House seats and 35 Senate seats. The outcome will determine which party controls Congress. This shift will shape President Donald Trump's ability to advance his agenda over the next two years.
The Department of Justice is deploying approximately 1,000 election monitors and observers. This marks the first time the department has conducted a monitoring effort that reaches all 50 states.
These monitors will check compliance with federal voting rights laws. Their duties include ensuring protections against voter intimidation and verifying access for voters with disabilities.
Early voting numbers do not automatically indicate which party is gaining ground. Party affiliations reported by states do not always reflect the candidates voters supported.
Results may not be final on election night. Close contests and the time required to count outstanding ballots could leave the control of Congress unsettled for several days.
