Early voting in the US! More than 28 million voters have cast their ballots early in several states of USAas the date of the November 5 elections approaches. This increase in turnout has been recorded in all key states and three dozen other states, according to data from the University of Florida Elections Laboratory.
Voting by mail has been the most used option, with Democrats surpassing Republicans in the number of ballots sent by this means. An analysis of 25 states that report party affiliation found that Democrats have returned about 1.3 million more mail-in ballots than registered GOP voters, while Republicans have a lead of about 327,000 in-person votes.
In states like Georgia and North Carolina, records have been set for early voting. In Georgia, more than 25% of active voters had already cast their ballots, according to Gabe Sterling, director of operations for the Georgia secretary of state’s office. In North Carolina, more than 353,000 people voted on the first day of the early voting period, which began Oct. 17, surpassing the previous record of 348,000 in 2020, according to CBS News.
In Nevada, another swing state, more than 397,000 voters had cast ballots as of Oct. 22, with 40% of the votes coming from registered Republicans, according to the state’s secretary of state. These figures indicate a notable interest in early voting, which could have implications for electoral dynamics.
David Becker, executive director of the Center for Electoral Innovation and Research, told CBS Newsthat the breakdown of early voting by party does not necessarily predict the outcome of the election. Voters’ political affiliation does not always correspond to the candidate they decide to vote for. “We won’t know until the votes are counted,” Becker said.
Early voting in the US
Early voting has increased in popularity in recent years. According to the Center for Election Innovation and Research, in the 2000 election cycle, only 24 states offered early voting options, a number that increased to 28 in 2008 and 31 in 2016. For the 2024 elections, 47 states offer voters voters the opportunity to cast their votes before Election Day.
Compared to the 2020 election, where nearly 60 million people voted early by October 25, the current environment plays out in a different context. Becker has called the 2020 election a “unicorn election,” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which fueled a surge in mail-in voting and led states to facilitate this process.
With information from Infobae
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Interview with David Becker, Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, David. With over 28 million early voters casting their ballots across the U.S. as we approach the November 5 elections, what do you make of this significant turnout?
David Becker: Thank you for having me. The early turnout is indeed substantial, and it’s exciting to see so many Americans participating in the electoral process. It’s a reflection of increasing engagement among voters, which is a positive sign for democracy.
Editor: The data indicates that voting by mail is the most utilized method, with Democrats leading in mail-in ballots. How do you interpret this trend?
David Becker: While the lead in mail-in ballots for Democrats is notable, it’s important to remember that party affiliation does not always translate directly to voting outcomes. Voter motivations can be complex, and we may see shifts as Election Day approaches. It’s crucial to wait until all votes are counted to understand the full dynamics at play.
Editor: States like Georgia and North Carolina are setting records for early voting. What implications could this have for the elections, particularly in swing states like Nevada?
David Becker: The high numbers in early voting could indicate strong voter sentiment in those states. In swing states like Nevada, where we’ve also seen significant participation from registered Republicans, the early voter turnout may shape the strategies of both parties. However, as we’ve seen in prior elections, turnout doesn’t always correlate straightforwardly with outcomes. The electorate’s feelings about candidates and issues will ultimately matter most.
Editor: You mentioned that there are more states offering early voting now than in previous cycles. What does this increased accessibility mean for voters?
David Becker: The expansion of early voting options is a significant step towards making the voting process more accessible for all. It allows voters the flexibility to choose when and how they cast their ballots, which is crucial in accommodating varied schedules and circumstances. This shift reflects a broader understanding that participation is key to a healthy democracy.
Editor: Lastly, how does this year’s early voting landscape compare to the 2020 election, which you referred to as a ”unicorn election”?
David Becker: The 2020 election was unique due to the pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented surge in early voting and mail-in ballots. While early voting remains high this year, the context is different. The infrastructure is now better established, and while we’re seeing strong turnout, we aren’t expecting a repeat of the extraordinary circumstances of 2020. Each election has its own character, and we cannot directly compare them.
Editor: Thank you, David, for your insights. As we approach the elections, it will be interesting to see how these trends impact the final results.
David Becker: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep an eye on the numbers as they come in; they tell the story of our democracy at work.
David Becker: The expansion of early voting options means greater accessibility for voters, allowing them to cast their ballots at their convenience. This is particularly beneficial for those who may face challenges on Election Day—be it work commitments, family obligations, or health concerns. More people being able to participate in the electoral process can lead to a more representative outcome, which is essential for the health of our democracy.
Editor: Reflecting on the 2020 elections, you referred to that period as a “unicorn election.” How does the current context differ from what we experienced then?
David Becker: The 2020 elections were indeed unique, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a massive surge in mail-in voting and relaxed voting regulations. Right now, we’re seeing increased early turnout, but without the same pandemic-related pressure. This cycle reflects a growing trend in voter engagement on its own merits, not as a reaction to extraordinary circumstances. The continued interest in early voting indicates that many Americans appreciate the flexibility it offers.
Editor: With such a significant number of early ballots cast, do you foresee any impacts on voter motivation as we near Election Day?
David Becker: It’s possible that strong early turnout can energize voters, creating a sense of momentum for those who have already participated. Conversely, it might discourage some from voting on Election Day if they perceive the outcome as already decided. However, this can go both ways; if individuals feel that their participation is critical, they may be more motivated to head to the polls. Ultimately, motivation can be fluid and will depend on the candidates, issues at stake, and overall sentiments in the lead-up to the election.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, David. It will certainly be interesting to see how these early trends unfold as we approach November 5th.
