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2026-11-04 13:38 UTC → 2026-11-05 07:09 UTC ·
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US midterm election voting trends Mississippi Senate race remains undecided
Voter participation has shown significant increases in several states during the midterm election period. In Minnesota, early voting reached record levels with nearly 420,000 ballots cast, including over 240,000 in-person and approximately 178,000 mail-in votes. This turnout exceeded the 282,000 ballots recorded during the same period in 2022. In Mississippi, absentee voting more than doubled compared to the 2022 midterms, with 116,453 ballots received statewide. However, technical difficulties were reported in Hinds County, where the circuit clerk’s website and election commission phone number became non-functional in late October, and voters received text messages containing dead links. As vote counting continues in the The Mississippi Senate race, the contest race between Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democratic challenger Scott Colom remains extremely tight. With approximately 97% of votes counted, undecided as vote counting continues. While previous reports indicated Colom holds held a narrow lead of fewer than 50 votes, though the margin fluctuates votes with 97% of votes counted, new data shows approximately 96% of precincts have reported, leaving an estimated 43,000 to 44,000 mail-in, affidavit, and provisional ballots outstanding. As of Wednesday, Colom maintains a razor-thin lead, with reported margins fluctuating between 28 and 43 votes depending on 65 votes. If Colom secures a victory, he would be the reporting source. Independent candidate Ty Pinkins has secured roughly 2.1% of first Democrat elected to the vote, which could impact U.S. Senate from Mississippi since 1982. Prediction markets have shifted significantly, with platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket pricing Colom’s victory probability as high as 74.4% to 94%, compared to 14% at the final result. start of Election Day was marked by reported irregularities, including voting machine malfunctions in Lamar, Lincoln, Hinds, and Jackson counties. In Hinds County, some voters encountered polling locations that were closed without prior notice. Day. Because Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson acknowledged reports of late precinct openings and machine issues, but stated that election security remains intact. He advised voters not listed on poll books law lacks provisions for automatic or candidate-requested recounts, any challenge to use affidavit ballots the results would likely require a court order. Attorney Marc Elias has stated his firm is leading efforts to ensure their votes are counted. a Colom victory. Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom has solicited emergency donations to support the campaign through the ballot curing and potential legal phases.