US midterm elections: first polling stations close as results begin

The first polling stations closed Tuesday in the U.S. midterm elections, which are decisive for the remainder of Donald Trump's second term. Polls suggest the president could lose his congressional majority and see his powers restricted. Americans are voting to renew all 435 House of Representatives seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats. Nearly 58 million citizens voted early, a record for midterms, and official results may take time in some cases. Trump, who cast doubt on election integrity and baselessly accused Democrats of fraud, has deployed 1,000 Justice Department observers across all 50 states for the first time. Historically, the president's party loses ground in midterms, with Democrats hoping for a "wave" or "tsunami."