43 Million Voters Cast Ballots as Early Turnout Surges

More than 43 million Americans had cast early or mail-in ballots by Wednesday, nearly 10 million more than at this point in the 2022 midterm cycle. An Associated Press analysis of data from 47 states and Washington, D.C., indicates this surge is particularly sharp in states with contested Senate races. The figures show a distinct shift in voter behavior as Election Day approaches in five days.

The increase is most visible in Texas, where over 6.3 million residents have already voted. That number represents a 50 percent jump compared to the 4.2 million who participated at the same stage four years ago. South Carolina, which is electing a successor to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, sees an 83 percent increase in early turnout. Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Kansas have all recorded increases of more than 30 percent over 2022 levels.

While total early votes are rising, party breakdowns suggest a demographic lean. Among states that disclose voter party affiliation, approximately 6.8 million Democrats have cast ballots early, compared to 5.2 million Republicans. These figures do not cover the entire electorate and do not indicate specific candidate preferences. The data offers a snapshot of participation rather than a definitive projection of outcomes.

President Donald Trump altered his campaign strategy this week, canceling weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas. He opted for telerallies that the Republican National Committee says can reach voters in nearly two dozen states. In a phone appearance on a Kansas City radio station, Trump called Sen. Roger Marshall a "fantastic" candidate in a close race. He described his Democratic opponent, Adam Hamilton, as a "radical" who has caused turmoil in his church.

The administration is also facing legal challenges regarding its oversight of election administration. A coalition including the League of Women Voters filed for a temporary restraining order to stop the Justice Department from analyzing state voter data. A separate lawsuit by California workers alleges federal threats risk interfering with the counting of ballots. Both filings ask federal judges to prevent the Department of Justice from demanding the removal of voters or the segregation of ballots.

In Alaska, Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola denied knowledge of efforts to add a candidate with the same name as her Republican rival to the ballot. Sen. Tim Scott, chairman of Senate Republicans' campaign arm, said Attorney General Todd Blanche is "acting expeditiously" to probe the allegations. Peltola dismissed the controversy as a distraction from the cost of living, stating that Republicans are trying to intimidate her into backing down.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago. The Holy See press office stated that the Chicago-born pontiff has exercised his right to vote as a U.S. citizen whenever eligible. This marks the first time a pope has voted in a U.S. election, citing the Holy Father's belief in the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.