With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, early voting has kicked off across America, and it’s certainly making waves. All but three states now offer early voting options, and many citizens are heading to the polls well before Election Day on November 5. This surge is particularly evident in swing states where early voting—through either mail-in ballots or in-person options—has become pivotal for both major political parties.
For example, Georgia, which flipped blue during the 2020 election, has already seen over 2.1 million voters casting their early ballots. Despite the effects of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina has set new records for first-day voting, racking up over 350,000 votes. Not to be outdone, South Carolina also saw impressive turnout with more than 125,000 votes cast on its inaugural day of early voting.
Current stats indicate more Democrats are opting for early voting compared to Republicans this election year. Still, it’s worth noting the proportion of early voters from the Republican side has increased compared to the previous election. This change has been attributed to new strategies within the party, especially after former President Donald Trump actively discouraged early and mail-in voting during the last presidential race, showcasing skepticism about these methods.
This year, the narrative is shifting, though. Trump, who previously expressed “mixed feelings” about early voting, has embraced the practice and his campaign has been actively encouraging Republican voters to make use of early and mail-in voting. On October 23, he even announced on Fox News Radio his intention to vote early. This newfound endorsement of early voting marks a significant change from the last election, when Trump’s rhetoric capitalized on fears around mail-in ballots amid the chaotic backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has also been proactive about promoting early voting this campaign season. At a rally on October 19, she encouraged voters in Detroit to “break records” with their early ballots, underlining the importance of voter participation to block Trump’s potential return to the White House. Harris gathered alongside artist Lizzo, energizing supporters to get active.
Political analysts, like Rachael Cobb, associate professor at Suffolk University, suggest these early voting numbers do reflect significant engagement. Cobb emphasizes how the increase isn’t merely about choosing to vote early but also stems from greater access provided by states allowing more early voting opportunities. These changes have been gradually taking root since approximately 2010.
The current early voting data reveals over 31 million votes have already been cast nationwide, as tracked by the University of Florida’s Election Lab. This number signifies not just higher participation overall, but also the operational successes of early voting constructs across several states. With states continuing to expand early voting locations and hours, it seems more voters will get the opportunity to participate without the crunch or chaos often encountered on Election Day.
Here’s how it looks on the ground: Maryland has officially joined the early voting wave, with early voting culminating beginning October 24 and running through the end of the month. Some Marylanders lined up before dawn to cast their votes, eager to lend their voices to the election process. Reports from counties such as Montgomery reveal enthusiastic voter turnout, featuring individuals who have dedicated themselves to this opportunity over multiple election cycles. One local voter, Alan Bowser, was proud to maintain his status as the first voter at his location, something he’s been doing since the inception of early voting in Maryland.
Volunteers at polling places have been busy, setting up tables, distributing sample ballots, and ensuring the entire process runs smoothly. The atmosphere has been lively, with supporters rallying for Democratic candidates like Harris and Angela Alsobrooks, who is running for Senate. It’s not just Democrats who are getting involved—some Republicans, like poll watcher Michael Fletcher, have also contributed their oversight, hoping to give their peers confidence about the electoral process.
Unafraid to lend his voice to the debate, Fletcher stated, “I think the Board of Elections does a really good job of training their judges,” contrasting the fears stirred by Trump’s previous claims of widespread voter fraud. His presence at the polls serves to build trust among voters, reinforcing the idea of transparency behind the voting process, even as some remain rooted in skepticism.
Maryland's early voting sites will operate daily from 7 am to 8 pm until the end of the early voting period. Voters have multiple options, including mail-in ballots approved under secure measures. This adaptability signifies not only the scaling up of voter engagement but also efforts to make voting more accessible to everyone, taking longer waits and scheduling conflicts out of the equation.
Across the United States, early voters are stepping out to express their opinions; be it out of hope, concern, or urgency. The ebb and flow of these voting trends will be closely monitored as the election nears, especially since turnout will likely be indicative of campaigning succeed across the board. Will higher turnout translate to greater excitement at the polls, or will divisions deepen with specific voting methods being utilized? Only time will tell what these early voting trends might foreshadow as the final push to Election Day commences.
So, as we watch the ballots roll in early, every voter’s choice can help shape the future of the country. The fervor and motivation surrounding early voting not only highlight growing engagement but also reflect broader conversations about election security, access to voting, and the importance of civic duty. This year’s election, with its record early voting, hints at possibly unprecedented participation, and who wouldn’t want to be part of such pivotal history?
