Storms Might Impact Voting in Key Battleground States

Meteorologists are predicting rain and thunderstorms across many states on Tuesday, possibly affecting voting in four critical battleground states during the midterm elections. The weather could complicate in-person voting as key Senate races determine control of Congress. Republicans hope to maintain their narrow Senate majority, while Democrats need to gain four Senate seats and three House seats for control. High voter turnout is crucial, as several races are tightly contested, with only a few hundred votes possibly deciding outcomes on November 3.

Early turnout has already been significant, with many states setting records. In Texas, early voting began with 19 million registered voters. Georgia saw more than 2 million early voters, breaking records. Similar high turnout has been reported in Alaska, nearing or exceeding its previous record.

AccuWeather’s forecast indicates that storms will stretch across the central U.S., affecting Election Day voting. Rain is expected in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, Michigan, and New York. Four of these states host competitive Senate races: Iowa, Texas, Michigan, and Kansas.

Election Day Weather in Key States

Iowa

In Iowa, U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican, faces Democrat Josh Turek for an open Senate seat. Polls show a close race, and rain is likely statewide on Election Day.

Texas

Texas features Republican Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico for a Senate seat in a competitive race. Thunderstorms could affect eastern Texas, including major cities like Houston and Dallas. Severe weather might impact the southern and central Plains late Monday to the Mississippi Valley on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Joe Lundberg.

Michigan

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers are in a heated battle for an open Senate seat. Rain is expected across the state, and both parties are heavily investing in this battleground.

Kansas

Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican, is in a tight race against Democrat Adam Hamilton in Kansas. This contest is significant, as the state last elected a Democrat to the Senate in 1932. Nearly all of Kansas expects rain, with thunderstorms likely in eastern regions.

Early Voting and Weather Preparation

Voters in affected states might consider voting early to avoid Election Day’s bad weather. Early voting has already ended in Tennessee and Louisiana. The last days to vote early are:

• October 30: Texas, Illinois
• October 31: Mississippi, Oklahoma
• November 1: Wisconsin, Michigan, New York
• November 2: Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas

Dates vary in North Dakota based on location.

Newsweek’s team utilized Martyn, our AI assistant, to compile this report.