Trump urges voters 'pretend I'm on ballot' as Midterms to shape his presidency
Millions of US citizens have stepped out to cast their ballots today, and 57 million more had already voted by Monday, marking a higher early vote turnout compared to four years ago in many closely watched states. Donald Trump, whose name is not on the ballot, has told voters to act as though he is running, even as many Republican candidates have tried to keep their distance from the US President. He told the crowd in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday at the final of several dozen rallies in the campaign’s closing weeks: "I really want you to pretend I’m on the ballot."
TL;DR
- Millions of US citizens are voting in the midterm elections, with over 57 million having already voted early.
- Early voter turnout is higher than in 2022, even in competitive Senate race states like Michigan.
- Donald Trump, whose name is not on the ballot, has encouraged voters to pretend he is running.
- Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the Senate and three in the House to win the majority.
- Key states to watch include Kansas, Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, and Texas.
- Voting issues have been reported, including malfunctioning ballot tabulators in Westchester County and relocated polling spots in Florida due to flooding.
- Trump has been campaigning extensively and also focused on his Reflecting Pool renovation project.
- The results are seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's second term in office.