Early Voting Surges as Millions of Americans Cast Their Ballots by Mail and in Person

As the countdown to Election Day continues, nearly 30 million Americans have already cast their ballots, according to the University of Florida’s election lab. Of these, 13 million voted in person at early voting centers while 17 million opted for mail-in ballots.

Early voting figures are anticipated to rise significantly as November 5 approaches. Voters will decide between Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, impacting both the presidency and the balance of power in the U.S. House and Senate.

The battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, have been labeled as toss-ups by Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Data indicates that early voting rates in these states often surpass those of others, showcasing heightened engagement among voters.

States like Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia have accumulated over 1.2 million early ballots, whereas California and Texas have each surpassed 2 million early votes. The party breakdown reveals that almost 42% of ballots are from Democrats, 35% from Republicans, and 23% from other voters. In Arizona specifically, Republican early voting outnumbers Democratic votes by 38,000. However, Democratic turnout stands at approximately 19.5%, slightly higher than that of their GOP counterparts.

Control of the U.S. House remains uncertain, with projections indicating Republicans may secure around 212 seats against at least 209 for Democrats. Fourteen races are classified as toss-ups, leaving the majority undecided. Managing Editor Kyle Kondik highlighted an even divide in toss-up ratings between the two parties, making the outcome unpredictable as Election Day nears.

Efforts to ensure voter access are underway, as emphasized by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairwoman Suzan DelBene. She stated that these initiatives will persist even after polls close, especially during the counting of absentee ballots. Given the competitiveness of several races, she underscored the importance of supporting ballot counting nationwide.

As for the Senate, Republicans appear slightly favored to maintain control, with potential gains in states like West Virginia and Montana. However, Nebraska’s standing has shifted to a lean Republican status, highlighting the ongoing competitive nature of the races. Incumbent GOP Senator Deb Fischer faces challenges amidst a unique electoral landscape.

Each state sets its rules for in-person and mail-in voting, affecting early ballot access. All states are mandated to facilitate in-person voting on Election Day, which is fast approaching on November 5.