As of seven days before Election Day, over 50.5 million Americans have already participated in the November election by casting their ballots through mail or early in-person voting. This early engagement is shaping the upcoming presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Comparing this year's early voting numbers to those of four years ago, it is evident that pre-election voting has reached historic levels. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this trend, as many voters were hesitant to vote in person due to health concerns and the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommended social distancing.
