More than 43 million Americans have cast their ballots early as the US midterm elections approach, with Democrats maintaining a lead in national opinion polls. With three days remaining before Election Day on Tuesday, both parties are making their final push to mobilize supporters.
Early Voting Breaks Records in Key States
An Associated Press analysis released on Friday indicates that early voting participation has surged significantly compared to previous cycles. The current total is nearly 10 million higher than at the same point in the 2022 midterms. Some of the largest increases were recorded in states with competitive Senate races.
Texas saw a 50 percent increase in early voting, with more than 6.3 million people casting ballots by Wednesday, compared to 4.2 million at the same time in 2022. Voters continued to arrive at polling stations in Houston as the state’s early voting period drew to a close.
Georgia also reported higher turnout, with more than 2.5 million ballots cast by Friday morning, surpassing the 2.3 million recorded during the 2022 early voting period. Reporters noted long queues in Atlanta and increased participation among young voters. One young voter cited social media as a primary driver for their interest in the election.
Other states, including Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Kansas, also recorded early voting increases of more than 30 percent compared to 2022.
Democrats Lead National Polls
According to RealClearPolling’s latest national congressional ballot average, Democrats lead Republicans by 8.2 percentage points. The polling data shows Democrats at 51.4 percent and Republicans at 43.2 percent.
A separate survey from The Economist and YouGov released on Thursday found that 44 percent of registered voters expect Democrats to control the House of Representatives, while only 31 percent expect Republicans to retain control. Expectations were closer for the Senate, with 39 percent predicting a Democratic majority and 36 percent a Republican one.
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told Al Jazeera that the Democratic lead in generic House ballot polling suggests the chamber is almost certain to flip to Democrats. However, he noted that the Senate outcome remains much more uncertain.
Trump Resumes Campaign Rallies
Donald Trump reversed his earlier decision to cancel weekend rallies, with the White House confirming that events in Kansas and Iowa will proceed on Sunday. The rallies had been canceled on Thursday, with the White House stating Trump would instead participate in nearly 20 telephone campaign events. Less than a day later, the president added the in-person rallies back to his schedule.
Trump campaigned in Florida on Friday, where Republicans are defending Senate and gubernatorial seats. He urged supporters to remain vigilant. “You got to vote. Bad things happen when you get too confident, right? So let’s pretend they’re one point down,” Trump told the crowd.
Trump’s campaign team views his personal appearances as a way to energize Republican voters, particularly in states where Republicans face strong opposition in Senate races. He is scheduled to support Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson in Iowa and campaign with Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas.
Competitive Senate Races and Alaska Dispute
Recent polls indicate tight races in traditionally Republican states. In Kansas, an Emerson College poll shows Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton leading Senator Roger Marshall with 49 percent support to Marshall’s 45 percent. Hamilton is a megachurch pastor.
Alaska’s Senate race remains one of seven key toss-ups that will likely determine whether Republicans keep their majority in the upper chamber. The race has been complicated by a dispute involving two candidates named Dan Sullivan. Trump has accused Democrats of recruiting an independent candidate with the same name as the Republican senator to confuse voters. The Department of Justice has taken legal action over the dispute, while Democratic nominee Mary Peltola has denied involvement in the alleged recruitment effort.
Other Democratic efforts include former President Bill Clinton campaigning in Mississippi and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joining Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton at a campaign event. Republican candidate Mike Rogers is also expected to campaign with House Speaker Mike Johnson over the weekend.
Source: Al Jazeera
