What are the US midterm elections and who’s running?

Joe Biden's name won't be on ballots, but this year's midterms on 8 November will be voters' first opportunity to render a verdict on his presidency

American elections are like Olympics. Presidential votes happen every four years in step with the summer Games: 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004 and so on.

Midterms, meanwhile, happen every four years in line with the winter Games: 2022, 2018, 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 and so on.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives.

Thirty-five seats in the 100-member Senate. This is made up of the standard 34 seats plus a special election to fill the four years remaining in the term of retiring senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma.

Thirty-six state governorships, and three US territory governorships.

Numerous city mayorships and local officials.

One hundred and twenty-nine ballot measures in 36 states including laws on abortion in California, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana and Vermont.