Early voting is expanding across the United States as the congressional campaign enters its final ten days. Lines have appeared at polling locations, although analysts caution that strong in-person turnout may partly reflect voters moving away from mail ballots rather than a net surge in participation.

Radio Svoboda reports on Saturday, October 24, that Democrats lead national congressional polling. Forecasts nevertheless remain highly sensitive to normal polling errors, leaving outcomes ranging from a narrow House majority to Democratic control of both chambers within the realm of possibility.

President Donald Trump is campaigning to energize Republican voters and has warned supporters about the consequences of a Democratic victory. Republican spending and presidential appearances in states including Ohio and South Carolina suggest that races in normally favorable territory have become a priority.

Two contests illustrating the campaign’s intensity are the Ohio governor’s race and the Michigan Senate election. Personal attacks and disputes over religion and political allegiance have escalated, while turnout and late decisions by genuinely independent voters could prove decisive in close races.