Millions of ballots cast as early voting begins for 2024 election in many states

With early voting now open in all seven battleground states and over three dozen others, the 2022 midterm elections are already off to a roaring start. More than 32 million Americans have already cast their ballots, setting records across key states such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada.

Democrats are leading the charge in early voting this year, with a significant margin over Republicans in mail-in ballots. However, Republicans are catching up with a higher number of in-person ballots being cast.

Record numbers of early voters have flocked to the polls in critical states. In Georgia, where President Biden secured victory in 2020, more than 25% of active voters have already cast their ballots. North Carolina, on the other hand, saw a staggering 353,000 people voting on the first day of early voting.

In Nevada, another battleground state, the numbers are equally impressive, with over 397,000 ballots already cast as of Tuesday, with a significant portion coming from registered Republicans.

Despite these statistics, election experts like David Becker are quick to caution against reading too much into party affiliation during early voting. The final outcome of the election will remain uncertain until all votes are counted.

Looking back at the 2020 election, we saw an unprecedented 60 million people casting their ballots early. This surge was driven in part by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which spurred more people to vote by mail. At the same time, former President Donald Trump’s fear-mongering around mail-in voting led to a divisive election cycle.

However, early voting has been steadily gaining popularity even before the 2020 election. More states have been offering early-voting options, either by mail or in person, as a means of enhancing voter access. This trend has only intensified, with 47 states now providing pre-Election Day voting opportunities.

Trump’s stance on early voting has evolved over time. While he has criticized mail-in and early voting in the past, he has also encouraged his supporters to cast their ballots early this year. In a recent radio interview, he emphasized the importance of early voting and even declared his intention to vote early himself.

The Republican National Committee has also been actively promoting early voting among GOP supporters, emphasizing the need to secure votes through all available channels. Their message is clear: bank your vote early to avoid long lines and potential disruptions on Election Day.

In conclusion, early voting continues to be a significant and growing trend in American politics. As the 2022 midterm elections progress, the early-voting numbers will serve as a barometer of voter engagement and participation. Regardless of party affiliation, the act of casting an early ballot represents a commitment to civic duty and democratic participation.