Nov 5 : Over 41 Million Americans Vote Early, Shaping the Race Between Trump, Harris

As the United States heads into the final stretch before the November 5 presidential election, over 41 million Americans have already cast their votes.

This substantial turnout, which includes both in-person and mail-in ballots, highlights the intensity of the race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Although early voting figures do not always predict the final outcome, they have become a focal point in campaign strategies, especially for Democrats who have historically led in mail-in voting.

Analysts note that early results often reflect a phenomenon known as the “blue shift” or “red mirage,” where Republicans, who tend to vote in person on Election Day, appear to lead in initial counts. But as mail-in ballots are tallied, numbers can shift toward Democratic candidates. This trend was notably seen in the 2020 election, where key swing states, including Georgia, turned blue, aiding President Joe Biden’s victory over Trump.

Campaigns are responding differently to the rise in early voting. Harris’ team is actively encouraging Democratic voters to take advantage of early voting options in their states, while the Republican Party, adjusting from its 2020 stance, is now urging its base to vote early. The shift has led to an increase in early Republican voters compared to previous elections.

Data from the University of Florida’s election lab reveals that Democrats have so far cast 39.9% of early ballots, with Republicans close behind at 36.3%. As the election nears, these early voting patterns may play a critical role in determining the race’s trajectory, especially in battleground states.