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15 Million Voters Cast Ballots Early
Early Voting Sets Record and Becomes a Popular Trend in U.S. Elections
This story at a glance…
Over 15 million Americans have already voted with two weeks left until Election Day.
Early voting, a trend sparked by the pandemic, remains popular in 2024.
Republicans are making gains in early voting turnout, narrowing the gap with Democrats.
Women are leading the early vote in key states like Georgia and Michigan.
15 Million Voters Cast Ballots Early
With just two weeks left until Election Day, over 15 million Americans have already made their voices heard by casting their ballots. The rise in early voting, both by mail and in person, highlights a lasting shift in how people participate in elections—one that’s stuck around since the pandemic.
Early Voting Becomes the New Normal
Before 2020, early voting was seen by many as an option for those who couldn’t make it on Election Day. But when the pandemic hit, people flocked to early voting as a safer alternative, and now, it seems they’ve grown quite fond of the convenience. Whether it’s voting by mail from the comfort of home or avoiding long lines at the polls, millions are getting their votes in early.
States like Georgia and North Carolina have seen record turnout on the first days of early voting. In Georgia, over 1.5 million ballots have already been cast, and North Carolina hit a single-day record last week with more than 353,000 voters. Clearly, people are eager to get it done early this time around.
Hard to Read the Political Tea Leaves
While the number of early voters is impressive, it’s hard to tell what it all means in terms of party advantage. The 2020 election saw unusually high early voting numbers due to the pandemic, and many people opted for mail-in voting to avoid crowded polling places. Now, with different circumstances, comparing early voting trends from this year to 2020 isn’t as straightforward.
Plus, new voting laws in states like Georgia and Michigan are adding even more complexity. Georgia has put new limits on voting by mail, while Michigan has expanded early voting opportunities. All these changes mean it’s tough to predict how early voting will affect the final turnout.
Republicans Closing the Gap on Early Voting
One interesting trend is that while Democrats still dominate mail-in voting, Republicans are gaining ground. In states like Pennsylvania, Republicans are returning more mail ballots compared to 2020, and they’re showing up in greater numbers for early in-person voting as well. In North Carolina, the gap between Republican and Democratic early voters has narrowed significantly, with nearly equal numbers of both parties voting early.
It seems the message from Republican leaders to vote early, especially in person, is starting to resonate with their voters. This change could shake up the traditional expectations of who votes early and how those votes will affect the outcome.
Women Leading the Way in Early Voting
Another trend to watch: women are leading the charge when it comes to early voting. In key states like Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina, more than half of early ballots have been cast by women. This is consistent with previous elections, where women have historically turned out to vote at higher rates than men.
Looking Ahead
As early voting becomes a permanent fixture in U.S. elections, it’s clear that voters are embracing the flexibility it offers. With two weeks still to go before Election Day, millions more are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to vote on their own terms, whether by mail or in person. While we wait for the final results, one thing is clear: early voting is here to stay.
Reflection
Casting your vote is more than a civic duty—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. As Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Voting allows us to contribute to our communities' well-being and consider others' needs. Just as early voters are getting a head start on shaping the future, let’s also be quick to act when showing love, justice, and care for our neighbors.
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