November 2, 2010 - 12:16 AMT
U.S. holds midterm elections Nov. 2

U.S. voters will go to the polls in midterm elections on Tuesday, November 2, for races in the House of Representatives and the Senate as well as state and local offices. Analysts say the elections could change the balance of power in Washington, where Democrats control the White House and dominate both houses of Congress.

Thirty-seven Senate seats are up for election across the country. And analysts say tight races in Western states like California could help to give the Republican Party a majority in the Senate. Republicans need to gain 10 seats to dominate that body. But public opinion surveys suggest that will be difficult.

More likely would be a shift in the House of Representatives. All 435 House seats are up for election. And most analysts say the Republicans could gain the 39 seats they need to claim a House majority. A Republican-dominated House would make it harder for President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party to pursue their legislative agenda, VOA News reported.