OnPolitics: Polls begin to close on Election Day 2022

Happy Election Night, OnPolitics readers!

As this lands in your inbox, the first wave of state polls are closing. The next few hours may offer an initial glimpse into the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections. 

Why it matters: The 2022 midterm elections will determine who will control Congress, with Senate and House seats on the ballot. Governors races are also on the ballot. The gubernatorial races are important even beyond state borders, as governors are increasingly shaping national policy.

Want to follow the election results? We'll be here all night to bring you results as they come in! For more information about how we're covering these elections, read this note from our politics editors.

Live election results and coverage

House of Representatives races updates:Who's winning the race to control the House?

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Senate elections live updates:Live updates on critical Senate races across country including Pennsylvania, New Hampshire

Governor races live updates:Will DeSantis, Whitmer win reelection? What about Kari Lake in Arizona?

Prefer a visual breakdown of the election results? We've got you covered. Find live election results here.

When do polls close?

The first round of polls closed at 6 p.m. ET with the last round closing at 8 p.m. PT. 

Want to know when your state's polls close? Find your state on our full list here.

Real quick: stories you'll want to read on Election Night

• Why we're watching these 10 governor's races: During a period of inaction of Washington, governors have taken a prominent role in forming national policy on a number of important fronts. From Maine to California, 36 states are holding races for governor Tuesday, with most featuring incumbents running for reelection.
• 🎨 'I Voted' stickers got a revamp by readers: As voting is underway across the USA, what better way to show your patriotism than a sticker on your shirt? Last week, we asked readers for their take on the classic "I Voted" stickers. They delivered. 
• Voting rights experts report a smooth election, despite some hiccups: Despite glitches at some polling locations in Arizona, a subtropical storm bearing down on Florida and a scrap over federal election observers in Missouri, voting rights advocates said the problems some voters encountered as they made their choices in Tuesday's pivotal midterm election appeared to be isolated and routine.
• ⭐ Play Election Night Bingo: Will there be a “red wave” this year? Will a candidate declare victory before polls close? Pick your bingo card and track how this year's midterms unfold.
• Four lessons for 2024: Voters' anxious, angry mood helps explain why campaign appeals have mostly turned to ominous warnings about the dangers of supporting the other side. Washington bureau chief Susan Page breaks down some lessons learned from this year's midterm elections.

👀 When will we see election results in battleground states? Democrats are expected to outperform Republicans overwhelmingly among Americans who vote by mail – like they did in 2020 – potentially creating a misleading picture in some states as results trickle in. Here's a breakdown of the timelines for some important states.