Summary

  • The Republican Party has taken control of the Senate by picking up at least six seats from the Democrats

  • They have also strengthened their grip on the House of Representatives

  • Ballot initiatives expanding marijuana use and increasing minimum wage passed in some states

  • The economy, government dysfunction and President Obama's unpopularity were key issues

Live Reporting

Tom Geoghegan, Debbie Siegelbaum, David Walker, Taylor Brown, Kate Dailey, David Botti, Helier Cheung, Victoria Park and Alison Daye

  1. All eyes are on the US Senate, where the Republicans, who already control the House of Representatives, need to gain just six seats to take control.

    Here is a picture of the US Capitol, where the dome is currently being restored.

    The afternoon sun hits the US Capitol on the eve of the nation's mid-term elections, 3 November 2014, in Washington, DCGetty Images

  2. Why do the mid-terms matter? The BBC has compiled all you need to know in one clear guide.

  3. Thirty-six out of 50 state governors, and countless state and local offices are also being contested.

  4. Polls have opened and 36 of 100 seats in the Senate and all 435 districts in the House of Representatives are up for grabs.

  5. Hello and welcome to the BBC's live coverage of the US mid-term elections.