The 2024 election in the US is taking place with a large number of voters participating, when more than 60 million people have voted early, showing a growing trend of choosing flexible forms of voting. According to the New York Times, as of November 1, about 30% of all registered voters participated in early voting, a number that shows a strong shift in the way Americans participate in elections.

The increase in early voting is done through two main forms: directly going to polling stations or voting remotely by mail. Specifically, of the 60.6 million voters who voted early, up to 68.1 million people requested to vote remotely, accounting for about 34% of the total number of voters. The popularity of these forms is not only a response to the COVID-19 pandemic but also a change in the habits and needs of American voters.

This trend is particularly evident in battleground states where voters are focused on the presidential race. North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona are four battleground states that have seen high early voting rates, with nearly half of registered voters participating. North Carolina leads the way with 54%, Georgia 49%, Nevada 45%, and Arizona 43%. Wisconsin and Michigan also show higher participation than the national average, with 35% and 33% of voters having voted early, respectively. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has seen a lower early voter turnout of just 20%.

The 2020 election cycle laid the groundwork for this strong growth, as public health concerns due to the pandemic led many voters to vote from home. The relaxed early voting rules not only boosted voter turnout but also contributed to President Joe Biden’s victory, with about 60% of his voters voting early.

The rise of early voting has led to controversy, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who alleged that a large number of Biden’s mail-in ballots were fraudulent. However, the current Republican Party is trying to encourage its voters to participate in early voting, recognizing the importance of this form of voting in securing a higher voter turnout in the context of the ongoing presidential race.

Notably, many eligible voters cannot vote in person on Election Day, as it typically falls on a Tuesday, a workday. In Pennsylvania, the Republican Party has spent up to $10 million on an advertising campaign, urging voters to vote by mail if they cannot get to the polls in person. This demonstrates the Republican Party’s determination to maximize every opportunity to engage voters.

However, despite such efforts, the number of remote voting requests from registered voters by Democrats still far exceeds that of Republicans. This shows that the two parties’ election campaign strategies are taking place in a very competitive landscape, and voter participation is a key factor in each party’s success.

Overall, the increase in early and remote voting not only reflects the changing voting habits of American voters, but also shows the challenges and opportunities that political parties are facing in this election. This also raises questions about how regulations and policies can continue to adjust to better serve voters in the future.

The 2024 election promises to be another defining event, not only for America’s political future, but also for democracy and how citizens engage in the process. Statistics show that with active voter participation, citizens are asserting their power to decide the future of the country.