Early voting sets records in America amid open race for Congress

Early voting in the US midterm elections has reached unprecedented levels, with over 54 million ballots cast before Election Day, as both parties vie for control of Congress. The surge, driven by high Democratic turnout, includes 11.2 million registered Democrats versus 8.2 million Republicans in 27 states with party data. Texas leads with over 7.7 million early votes, followed by North Carolina (2.8 million, up 30% from 2022) and Georgia (2.8 million, with increased Black and Latino participation). Polls show 72% of Democrats intend to vote, compared to 65% of Republicans. Cost of living and the war with Iran are key voter concerns. Analysts caution early numbers may not predict final outcomes.

Early voting in the US midterm elections has reached unprecedented levels, with over 54 million ballots cast before Election Day, as both parties vie for control of Congress. According to an analysis published by the Associated Press, early votes totaled about 54.8 million, compared to 45.9 million in the 2022 elections. In 27 states with available party affiliation data, registered Democratic voters cast 11.2 million early ballots, compared to 8.2 million for Republicans, according to the University of Florida Election Lab. Texas led states in early voting volume, with over 7.7 million votes, while North Carolina recorded about 2.8 million votes, an increase of nearly 30% from 2022. In Georgia, early voters exceeded 2.8 million, with higher turnout among Black and Latino voters. Polls indicate greater enthusiasm among Democrats, with 72% of Democrats intending to vote, compared to 65% of Republicans. According to Reuters, cost of living and the war with Iran are key factors influencing voters' assessment of President Donald Trump's administration. Despite Democrats' lead in early voting numbers, analysts caution against viewing them as a decisive indicator of results, as Republicans bet on their supporters turning out on Election Day.