Stay informed with FP’s news and analysis as the United States votes.
Midway through Election Day, several signs point to the possibility of record voter turnout levels in the United States. While a comprehensive national picture is yet to emerge, more than 85.9 million Americans cast their ballots before Nov. 5, according to the University of Florida’s Election Lab—with the key swing states of Georgia and North Carolina setting early voting records.
More than 158 million Americans voted in the 2020 presidential election, constituting 67 percent of eligible voters and setting a new turnout record at the time despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the improvements made to early and absentee voting access during the pandemic could be contributing to higher turnout this time around, and it remains unclear which party and candidate—Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris or Republican nominee former President Donald Trump—will get a greater boost from the trend.
This post is part of FP’s live coverage with global updates and analysis throughout the U.S. election. Follow along here.