More than 50 million early votes before Election Day, a judge dismisses the Justice Department's Alaska ballot suit, Iliana Iotova wins Bulgaria's presidency, oil falls on Iran talks hopes, and the Commanders beat the Eagles.
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More than 50 million Americans had voted early by Sunday ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, according to the University of Florida Election Lab, topping the 2022 midterm record of about 46 million. All 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate seats are on the ballot, along with governor races in many states. Polls close between 6 and 9 p.m. local time, depending on the state.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to have Alaska segregate ballots and delay certifying its Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan loses. She ruled the federal government lacks standing, that segregating ballots would threaten voter secrecy, and that it was too late for such changes. The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal. Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola.
Acting President Iliana Iotova won Bulgaria's presidential runoff on Sunday with about 57.6% of the vote, with 99.95% of polling station protocols processed, defeating former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov, who had about 39.5% and conceded. She is the first woman elected president of Bulgaria. Turnout was about 29%. Iotova favors dialogue with Moscow and opposes military aid to Ukraine; Gyurov, backed by pro-Western opposition parties, called for stronger support for Ukraine.
Oil prices fell about 3% to 4% on Monday on hopes for progress in Qatar-mediated talks to end the U.S.-Iran war, with Brent crude trading around $109 to $110 a barrel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks were "ongoing and progressing" and that Iran was ready for "both defence and diplomacy"; he also said no direct talks with the U.S. were underway. AP reports Iranian negotiators in Qatar discussed a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the U.S. meets several conditions.
The Washington Commanders scored 27 unanswered points to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 on Sunday Night Football. Jayden Daniels threw for 217 yards and a touchdown to Stefon Diggs with no turnovers. The Eagles, starting Tanner McKee without Jalen Hurts, lost their sixth straight game and fell to 2-6; Washington improved to 2-4-1.
1. How many U.S. Senate seats are on the ballot in the November 3, 2026 midterms?
From story 1: More than 50 million Americans vote early, a midterm record, before Election Day
2. About what share of Bulgarian voters turned out for the November 1 presidential runoff?
From story 3: Iliana Iotova wins Bulgaria's presidential runoff
3. How many games in a row had the Philadelphia Eagles lost after falling to Washington on Nov. 1?
From story 5: Commanders score 27 straight to beat Eagles 27-10
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