elections

A new NBC News poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating falling to 41% among registered voters, the lowest of his second term, with 55% disapproving. More voters also criticized his handling of the economy, a concern landing as the closely watched midterm elections approach.

Ukraine launched what is described as its largest attack on Moscow to date, hitting the Russian capital on the day Russians voted in elections. Reports and footage describe fires burning across the city, with residents sharing images of flames and smoke. The strike's timing alongside the vote has drawn wide attention, with many reading it as a pointed message to the Kremlin about the war reaching the Russian heartland.

CNN's senior data reporter Harry Enten is breaking down new polling that shows President Trump reaching his lowest approval numbers yet, describing the figures as 'stunning'. The analysis points to declining support across key demographic and issue areas, fueling debate about the political implications heading into upcoming elections and whether the trend signals lasting erosion of his base.

Ukraine launched strikes on Moscow during Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin was widely expected to secure another term. The timing is being read as a symbolic challenge to the vote, targeting the Russian capital as Russians headed to the polls. Commentators highlight the message that the war can reach Moscow, while the strikes add to questions over the credibility of an election held amid ongoing conflict.

Venezuela's president has returned from a visit to the United States without securing any agreements and without announcing a firm date for the country's elections, according to Reuters. The outcome leaves open questions about Venezuela's political timeline and its relations with Washington, and is drawing attention as observers watch for movement on both diplomatic and electoral fronts.

India's electoral process is facing unprecedented scrutiny, with growing debate over public faith in how the country's elections are conducted. Questions are being raised about the independence and transparency of election institutions, prompting national and international discussion about whether trust in the world's largest democratic exercise has been shaken and what reforms might follow.

A senior Hamas leader accused Israel of exploiting bloodshed in Gaza for political gain ahead of Israeli elections. At the same time, he signalled that Hamas is ready to sit down with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, raising the prospect of renewed talks on Palestinian reconciliation and the situation in Gaza.

A Hamas leader has said that the suffering in Gaza will be used as an issue in Israel's upcoming election, according to Dawn. The remark points to how the humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip has become entangled with Israeli domestic politics, with parties expected to stake out positions on the war and its aftermath as campaigning proceeds.

European ministers meeting on migration policy are discussing stronger border controls and accelerated procedures for returning migrants whose asylum claims are rejected. The talks reflect mounting political pressure across the bloc to curb irregular arrivals and speed up deportations, an issue that has divided member states and featured prominently in recent European election campaigns. Details of any concrete agreement were not immediately available.

Venezuela's president has returned from a visit to the United States without securing any agreements or announcing a firm date for the country's next elections. The lack of concrete outcomes leaves unresolved questions over the election timetable and bilateral tensions between Caracas and Washington, with observers watching closely for any follow-up diplomatic steps.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised opposition parties for joining forces to challenge him in upcoming elections. The alliance between rival opposition factions is aimed at presenting a unified front to unseat Israel's long-serving leader. Netanyahu dismissed the coalition as opportunistic, while the parties argue their pact offers voters a real alternative.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is campaigning for what is billed as his final term in Brazil's crunch election, presenting himself as viscerally dedicated to social issues. Coverage frames the vote as a defining moment for the country, with Lula's record on poverty reduction and social programmes central to his appeal to voters as he seeks one last mandate.

Fresh warnings received ahead of the October 7 Hamas attack have put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's responsibility for the failures of that day back at the center of Israel's election campaign. Commentators argue the new material reignites debate over whether the government ignored advance intelligence, turning security accountability into a central election issue.

A Supreme Court ruling concerning a disputed election may come into conflict with state law, according to reporting by Honolulu Civil Beat. The potential clash raises questions about how election disputes would be resolved and which legal authority would prevail. No further details about the specific ruling, the state involved, or the reaction from officials are available at this time.

A senior Hamas leader has dismissed Israel's election, saying its outcome will bring no change for Palestinians. The comments, reported by Le Monde, reflect Hamas's longstanding position that Israeli politics offers no path to Palestinian statehood or relief from occupation, regardless of which coalition forms the next government.

Israel has banned Arab political parties from contesting the upcoming election, a move set to remove Arab representation from the ballot. Reports are examining which parties are affected and the implications for Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up roughly a fifth of the population. Critics describe the ban as anti-democratic, while its impact on the election's outcome remains a key question.

European policymakers are pushing to impose sanctions targeting Russian influence activities across the continent, aiming to act before such operations cause political damage. The effort reflects growing concern in EU capitals over Russian interference in domestic politics, elections and public debate, and signals a shift toward preventive measures rather than responding only after interference has taken effect.

Tens of thousands of people have attended a right-wing protest in Spain over the Ceuta migrant crisis. Demonstrators demanded early elections and accused Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government of mishandling the situation in the Spanish enclave, where tensions over migration have been mounting.

French voters are heading to the polls in the 2026 Senate elections, with grand electors in around sixty departments called to cast ballots. The vote is the last nationwide election before the 2027 presidential election, giving it added political weight. French media are providing live coverage of the results and what they mean for the balance of the upper house.

The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for states to use the federal SAVE database to verify the citizenship status of voters, in a decision reported by CyberScoop. The ruling lets states tap the immigration-status system as part of voter roll checks, a move likely to intensify debate over election integrity measures and the treatment of eligible citizens during verification.

Germany's CDU has been pushed out of power in state elections, with the AfD and Die Linke emerging as the winners in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin respectively. Attention now turns to coalition negotiations, as no party has a straightforward path to government and analysts are debating who will govern the two states and how the results reshape national politics ahead of the federal race.

Fresh polling on Donald Trump's approval rating is drawing widespread attention, with commentators across the political spectrum reacting to the numbers. Supporters and critics are debating what the figures mean for his standing and the broader political landscape.

President Trump has rejected a proposed deal with Iran following a week of high-stakes meetings with advisers and officials, according to The Hill's Sunday shows preview. At the same time, Republicans are scrambling to keep control of Congress ahead of upcoming elections. The weekend talk shows are expected to weigh both the collapsing diplomatic track with Tehran and the GOP's legislative and electoral prospects.

Donald Trump says he held a phone conversation with Venezuelan official Delcy Rodriguez about elections in Venezuela. Details of what was discussed have not been disclosed, and the Venezuelan government has not confirmed the call. The reported contact comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Venezuela's electoral process and strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

A group of Democratic congressional candidates is openly campaigning on their Christian faith, hoping to reconnect with religious voters who have drifted toward Republicans. The strategy is drawing attention as Democrats assess whether emphasizing faith can broaden their appeal in key races, and whether religious language will resonate with moderate and rural constituents in the current political climate.