Surge of early votes keeps growing

American flags are displayed in downtown Woodstock, Vermont, in the spring. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

With the election just under three weeks away, early voting keeps boosting the national vote total, which could reach historic levels this year.

About 15 million Americans have already cast their ballots for the Nov. 3 election, according to The Washington Post. That's in spite of the many hurdles presented by the pandemic. In Michigan, more than 1 million people — roughly one-fourth of that state's 2016 turnout — have already voted, the Post stated. That same report said surging nationwide numbers could "result in the majority of voters casting ballots before Election Day for the first time in U.S. history."

Texas and Georgia opened early voting this week and saw record-setting crowds right off the bat. High enthusiasm for participating in this election was a clear factor, and some people opted to vote in person to avoid mail delivery delays. Over 20 states will offer early voting in the coming weeks.

Many voters seemed determined to show their strong resolve to vote, noted The Washington Post's Amy Gardner in a video report (scroll down at the link). She said that's true even in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott's order to allow just one ballot drop-box site per county withstood a court challenge. Gardner said a gigantic line of cars showed up to deposit ballots at the lone drop-box site in Harris County, where Houston is located. 

Hopefully, all early voters stay safe as they go to cast their ballots, adhering to public health guidance. At the same time, in-person early voting, for some, represents a way to ensure their vote is counted. As October wares on, more people with that same concern are likely to head out and vote before Election Day. COVID-19 and the 2020 voting process will be the two big issues on many minds. Both factors will loom large as Americans navigate a uniquely changed voting landscape. 

— Gareth Henderson