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2026 midterm battle intensifies
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
North Carolina began mailing absentee ballots Sept. 4, first state to start 2026 midterms amid legal fights. The battle over mail-in voting rules and redistricting could shape control of Congress.
Background
The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, with control of Congress at stake. Legal battles over voting rules, including mail-in ballots and redistricting, have intensified as states begin the voting process. President Trump's executive order on mail-in voting is tied up in court, and states like Missouri face disputes over congressional maps.
How it unfolded
- Sep 4, 2026North Carolina became the first state to mail out absentee ballots for the 2026 midterms.
- Sep 7, 2026North Carolina approved last-minute mail-in voting rules as ballots were sent out, amid a federal court battle over voting restrictions.
- Sep 8, 2026Republicans prepared for a rare mid-cycle national convention in Dallas, with 57 days until Election Day, under low approval numbers for Trump.
- Sep 9, 2026Missouri Supreme Court set a contempt hearing for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins over redistricting order violations.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- North Carolina election officials say mail-in ballots will remain the same despite Trump's attempt to restrict the practice.
- Bulls
- A Trump Town USA owner remains optimistic that interest will rebound as political momentum builds, expecting a surge in business tied to the midterms.
- Bears
- A local business owner says sales have dropped due to the sluggish economy, with people only buying essentials like gasoline and food.
Still unverified
Trump's executive order on mail-in voting has not taken effect due to legal challenges; its full impact remains unconfirmed.