Millions cast ballots in US midterms as voter poll suggests majority unhappy with economy
Austin voters cite taxes and affordability as their prioritiespublished at 21:26 GMT
Gary O’Donoghue
Chief North America correspondent in Austin, Texas
There’s a steady stream of voters making their way into the Carver Branch of the Austin Public Library, past a thicket of campaign posters and party workers pitching their candidates.
Off to one side, three observers from a coalition of non-partisan groups are watching the vote and handing out information on how to vote.
Morgan, 28, split her ticket – voting Republican in the governor’s race and Democrat in the battle for the Senate seat.
“I voted for Greg Abbott and then I voted for James Talarico.”
The Senate race weighed heavily, she says: “I have two younger sisters, I have a lot of LGBTQ friends.”
She didn’t like some of the messaging on minority issues coming out of the Republican candidate for Senate, Ken Paxton.
Vivian, arriving in an orange Mustang, voted Republican down the ballot. “Taxes, taxes, taxes – that’s my main thing right now.”
Brian backed the Democrats, citing “the current administration and essentially affordability”.
Charlie is more positive. “I’ve been voting to help Texas go blue for the 15 years I’ve lived here. Hopefully this is the year.”