Midterm Early Voting Begins; Registration Events Surge

An Ohio letter writer who identifies as a lifelong Republican urges voters to replace Troy Balderson and Jon Husted, criticizing their support for Trump policies, the Iran war and a tax-and-spending bill, while backing Jerrad Christian and Sherrod Brown. In New York, congressional candidate Josh Slaughter says his campaign focuses on working people and middle-class families, drawing on his experience as a county legislator’s chief of staff and a labor union political director. In Springfield, Illinois, the League of Women Voters says it has registered more people than in past years and is offering nonpartisan help as it seeks strong turnout in the November midterms. A Texas voting guide outlines acceptable identification and polling-place rules for early voting and Election Day. In Tennessee’s gubernatorial race, Marsha Blackburn is campaigning on a plan to audit state spending and cut unused programs, while Democrat Jerri Green says she would prioritize childcare, medical debt, housing, public schools and reproductive rights; Blackburn has declined debates with her challengers.