In-person early voting began Monday in several US states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with control of Congress and numerous state offices at stake.
Early voting began in Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alaska, Colorado and Connecticut, two weeks before Election Day.
Voters nationwide will elect all 435 members of the US House of Representatives and more than one-third of the 100-member Senate.
Governorships, state legislative seats and local ballot initiatives will also be decided.
Senate contests draw attention in southern states
In Texas, early voting runs through Oct. 30, with polling hours varying by county.
The state features a closely watched Senate contest between Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico.
South Carolina's early voting period continues through Oct. 31.
The state's Senate race features Republican incumbent Darline Graham, who was appointed following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, against Democratic challenger Annie Andrews.
Voters will also decide an open gubernatorial race.
Early voting is scheduled from 8.30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, with polling stations closed Sunday, Oct. 25.
Voters are required to present photo identification.
In Arkansas, early voting concludes Nov. 2 at 5 pm local time. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton faces Democratic challenger Hallie Shoffner, while Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is seeking reelection against Democrat Fredrick Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby.
State election officials require voters to present valid photo identification or qualifying official documents, including utility bills or government paychecks, before receiving a ballot.
Alaska Senate race, voting expands in other states
In Alaska, in-person early and absentee voting began at designated locations Monday and will continue through Election Day on Nov. 3.
The state uses a ranked-choice voting system.
The Senate contest features Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan against former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola.
Voters will also choose a successor to term-limited Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
In Colorado, voter centers opened statewide following the earlier opening of ballot drop boxes.
Connecticut began a 14-day early voting period running through Nov. 1, with polling stations operating from 10 am to 6 pm local time.
