Polls began closing in waves across the United States on Tuesday evening, marking a significant point in the highly consequential midterm elections that will determine control of Congress and numerous state governorships. The earliest polling stations in Indiana and Kentucky closed at 6 p.m. EST (23:00 GMT), with results expected to begin trickling in shortly thereafter.

These midterm elections are particularly critical as all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are up for election. Additionally, voters in 36 states are casting ballots for their governors, setting the stage for potential shifts in political power at both the federal and state levels.

The outcome of these elections carries significant implications for President Biden's legislative agenda and the direction of national policy for the remainder of his term. Control of Congress, particularly the Senate, is expected to be fiercely contested, with many races considered too close to call.

As voting concluded in some areas, reports of disruptions and irregularities emerged. In Oklahoma, a man named Robin Martin was charged with conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications after allegedly sending hundreds of letters containing non-hazardous white powder and warnings of treason to public officials. The FBI stated that while the powders were found to be non-hazardous, not all letters had been fully tested.

In Georgia, some voters in Fulton County reported receiving false text messages about polling place changes. Election officials and watchdog groups are aware of the situation and are advising voters to verify information through official channels. The source of these misleading texts remains unknown.

Across the country, voters expressed a range of motivations for participating. In Cypress, Texas, 20-year-old Arissa Tefeck noted that politics has become increasingly personal for young people, inspiring her to vote. The youth vote is being closely watched as a potentially decisive factor in several key races.

Election officials anticipate that while some results may be known by Tuesday night, races in several districts could remain too close to call, with final outcomes potentially not being determined until Wednesday or later. The close contests in many races underscore the polarized political landscape of the nation.

Al Jazeera's live results page will provide ongoing updates as votes are tallied throughout the evening and into the coming days. The full impact of these elections on the nation's political trajectory will unfold in the hours and days following the close of polls.