Politics of the Day: 22-Million People Have Already Voted
Turns out millions of people just couldn't wait to vote this year. The New York Times is reporting that about 22-million people have already voted in early voting and absentee ballots. Though this number is still lower than the amount of early votes in the 2012 election, the Times says in some states, including Texas, the number of voters has increased. Additionally, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Hispanic voters.
Even Pusheen is getting in on the action:
Texas has led the pack in terms of increases, though. The Lone Star State has seen a 42-percent increase from the 2012 election. However, thus far, candidates have failed to rock the millenial vote, with a decrease in the number of early voters between the ages of 18 and 29.
The Times writes, "Any increase or decrease in early voting between election cycles depends on three factors: whether the availability of early voting has changed, whether the state has become more competitive, and what the campaigns have done to promote early voting."
The good news is early voting has increased over the last few decades, after several states challenged early voting rules in court, overturning laws in California, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and more.
Check out more early-voting stats at The New York Times.