Over 83 million registered voters have already cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, with significant early voting activity in key swing states like Georgia and North Carolina. Despite some security threats, voting has proceeded smoothly. Early voting demographics show a higher turnout among women and older voters. The election is expected to be closely contested, with recent polls showing a narrow lead for Harris over Trump.
The Harris campaign is optimistic about early voting results in Pennsylvania and other key battleground states, with nearly 1.8 million mail ballots cast in Pennsylvania, 56% of which are from Democrats. This marks a shift from 2020 when Democrats had a larger share of mail ballots. Despite this optimism, the campaign continues its efforts, with extensive door-knocking and volunteer engagement. Current polling shows a tight race in Pennsylvania, with former President Trump holding a slight lead, while nationally, the race is tied.
As Election Day 2024 arrives, over 82 million Americans have already voted, surpassing half the total votes from 2020. High early turnout is noted in battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina, despite challenges like Hurricane Helene. Former President Trump and the Republican National Committee have made unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, while election officials report no major issues. Efforts to counter misinformation and ensure election security continue, with foreign influence operations, particularly from Russia, being a concern.
Early voting data indicates strong youth turnout, particularly among young women and voters of color, which bodes well for Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite expectations of lower early voting compared to 2020, young voters are showing significant engagement, driven by cultural shifts and targeted campaigns. The Harris-Walz campaign has focused on mobilizing young voters through social media, campus events, and endorsements, while outside organizations also work to boost youth participation. This demographic's turnout could be pivotal in the upcoming election.
Numerous celebrities, including Lizzo, Ariana Grande, and Blake Lively, have already participated in early voting for the 2024 presidential election, sharing their experiences and encouraging fans to vote through social media posts featuring their "I Voted" stickers.
The Harris campaign is optimistic about its chances in the upcoming election, citing strong early voting turnout among young and Black voters in key battleground states. Despite being the underdog, the campaign has mobilized over 90,000 volunteers to knock on millions of doors, aiming to sway undecided voters. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is described as closing with a message of 'darkness and anger,' and Harris officials are prepared for potential post-election challenges. Both campaigns remain confident as the race remains tight in crucial swing states.