Own Correspondent|The first results have been called in the US midterm elections as polls on the east coast close. Among the early results were predictable wins for prominent senators, including Democrat Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts and Independent candidate Bernie Sanders in Vermont.

The national picture still remains unclear as voting continues in the western part of the country. However, a preliminary CNN exit poll suggested most voters believe Donald Trump is doing a bad job as president and America is heading in the wrong direction.

Some 55 per cent of those asked after voting said they disapproved of Mr Trump’s record in office, while just 44 per cent approved.

In the past presidents with an approval rating that low going into midterm elections have seen heavy losses in races for US Congress seats.

The initial findings – which took place before the polls had closed and were presented with notes of caution – provide other fragments of good news for the Democrats.

Healthcare was at the forefront of voters’ minds, with 41 per cent saying it was the most important issue. An Associated Press exit poll also put the issue top.

The Democrats have been hammering away at healthcare in the final weeks of the campaign, especially on whether people with pre-existing medical conditions will be able to get health insurance.

Some 56 per cent of people said they believed the country was headed in the wrong direction, compared to 41 per cent who said it was on the right track. Voters polled by CNN also had a favourable view of the Democrat Party overall but an unfavourable view of the Republicans – more good news for Mr Trump’s opponents.