With the 2024 presidential election drawing nearer, the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are heating up, as candidates ramp up their campaigns to entice voters. Early voting has kicked off across Wisconsin, where stakes are high and every vote counts. Former President Barack Obama joined Democratic vice president nominee Tim Walz recently for a rally aimed at galvanizing voter turnout. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is making his own push, as both parties prepare for what’s expected to be another razor-thin margin following the 2020 election, which Trump lost by less than 21,000 votes in Wisconsin alone.
Election dynamics have transformed significantly compared to years past, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many to explore new voting methods. Trump, known for his skepticism toward mail-in ballots, is now encouraging early voting and absenteeism, just as his campaign aligns with the same strategies he previously criticized. Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming emphasized the changed narrative, stating, “If it’s the difference between getting a vote in, or not getting a vote in, I say to Republicans, ‘Put it in the mailbox or put it in the drop box.’” That’s right, Trump’s camp has begun embracing strategies once deemed unfavorable.
More than just party rallies, these efforts include grassroots initiatives to motivate turnout among traditionally conservative voters who might be swayed by the Democrats’ message. Various Republican candidates are expected to vote early, showcasing the importance of voting down the stretch. With over 305,000 absentee ballots already returned, the emphasis on convenience is clear—a proactive approach to voting is becoming the new norm.
This early voting phase runs through November 3rd, with efforts to reach voters picking up momentum as campaign events across the Democratic spectrum ramp up. The Democratic Party is concertedly focused on reaching Black voters, particularly through organizations like Souls to the Polls, which aims to mobilize communities historically disenfranchised. For Democrats to secure solid support, counties such as Milwaukee, which yielded the greatest number of votes, will be pivotal.
While Democrats rally their bases, the Republicans are also forging strategies to close the gap. Trump has already held events encouraging attendance and boosting turnout among his supporters. His campaign rhetoric blends urgency with optimism, focusing on motivating the existing base, even if he has adjusted his previous stance on absentee voting.
The narrative becomes even more entwined as Vice President Kamala Harris joined forces with former Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, embarking on what they refer to as the "blue wall tour". The objective? To attract moderate Republicans and independents who might be sitting on the fence. Pennsylvanians, along with voters from Michigan and Wisconsin, will be her primary targets, as Democrats are realizing the importance of courting those less partisan rather than solely relying on traditional Democratic strongholds.
Scheduled discussions will occur across key suburban areas known to influence election results. These include counties like Chester, Oakland, and Waukesha—areas where voters have shifted toward Democrats over recent elections. The campaign is particularly focused on engaging those moderates, possibly swayed by candidates like Nikki Haley from the Republican primary, who may find common ground or lean toward Harris’s progressive yet conciliatory approach.
Harris remarked about their mission: “It’s important for us to put country before party and value the very important foundation of American democracy.” The emphasis on collaboration, rather than polarization, aims to resonate with voters worried about the potential impact of Trump returning to office. Each candidate knows their pathway lies not only with their loyal supporters but with undecided voters inhabiting the landscapes of swing states where margins are thin and the stakes are high.
Polling indicates these battleground states hold sideshot views of prior elections; moving forward will require addressing the concerns of moderates who may align differently than they have traditionally. Harris’s and Cheney's joint appearances provide space for frank discussions about what each party’s future could entail and how independents and moderates could heavily influence the outcomes.
While all sides are preparing intensely for this election, court rulings influencing voter eligibility have shaped the political environment significantly. Recent decisions from courts within Michigan and North Carolina rejected Republican efforts to disqualify ballots from overseas voters, highlighting contentious debates about voter access and eligibility. These rulings set the tone for upcoming political strategy surrounding voter mobilization and outreach to diverse populations.
This election season is turning out to be far more than merely flipping votes; it’s about carefully curative strategies aiming to win hearts and minds across party lines. With moderate Republicans weighing their options and independents often exhibiting unpredictable allegiances, campaigns are moving fluidly. Both Trump’s and Harris’s camp are investing tremendous effort to communicate relevant messages to these groups, cognizant of the sensitivity and potentially decisive impact these fringe voters wield.
With only weeks remaining until Election Day, early voting has begun, and numerous events are set to mobilize voters—across the board. Volunteer-led canvassing initiatives are rising, with everyday citizens traveling from other states to bolster campaign efforts. Reports highlight the lengths to which supporters are willing to travel, illustrating the galvanizing effect of the current political climate—where even those living far from the battlegrounds are committing time and resources.
Looking back at 2020, Democrats broke records with early and absentee voting initiatives. Observers anticipate similar behaviors will repeat as voters seek assurance their voices are counted well before the polls close—intensifying the competitive atmosphere leading to Election Day.
Meanwhile, combined strategies reflect not just the Democratic push to consolidate its base and motivate new voters, but also the Republican playbook adjusting to new realities in voter turnout methodologies. With every slice of the vote potentially deciding the outcome, candidates realize now more than ever they must understand and connect with the electorate on various fronts—taking the pulse of voter sentiments and adapting their tactics accordingly within these pivotal battleground states.
With all this activity and the election drawing near, one question hangs heavily: Who will capture the hearts of these undecided voters, and how will their choices shape the future of the nation?”
