As early in-person and mail-in ballots flood in across the nation, the voter turnout is on the rise, indicating significant enthusiasm among voters. The current race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is neck and neck, with the outcome likely to hinge on their performance in seven crucial swing states: Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina.
States have a history of allowing certain groups, such as military personnel and individuals with health conditions preventing them from voting in person, to cast their ballots early. The eligibility for early voting was expanded in many states in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further facilitating voter participation.
Analysis from a 2021 study conducted by the MIT Election Data and Science Lab reveals that in the previous presidential election, mail-in ballots predominantly favored the Democratic Party. Approximately 60% of Democrats reported voting by mail, in contrast to 32% of Republicans.
With over 77 million ballots already cast nationwide as of Sunday morning, the early voting data from the battleground states provides valuable insights. Some states like Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have also released a breakdown of early votes by party affiliation, shedding light on the voting patterns.
These early voting trends underscore the significance of voter engagement and the impact it may have on the final outcome of the election. As the nation eagerly awaits the results from the pivotal swing states, the high voter turnout signals a keen interest and active participation in the democratic process.
