Polling News

Race For The Early Vote

October 20, 2016

Over two million Americans have already voted in November’s election, according to data collected by the United States Election Project.  Of the ballots that have been returned or accepted as of October 17th, 394,562 (42.9% of total) have been Democratic ballots; 353,973 (38.5%) have been Republican; and 154,664 (16.8%) have been Independent ballots.

In the early states for which data is available, Democrats lead Republicans in most instances.  98,428 (50.3%) Democratic ballots have been returned in Iowa, compared to 60,359 (30.8%) Republicans and 36,420 (18.6%) Independents.  In Maine, 17,009 (49.7%) Democratic ballots have been returned, compared to 8,270 (24.2%) Republican and 8,030 (23.5%) Independent ballots.  In Colorado (where all residents receive a ballot by mail), 2,860 (47.6%) Democratic ballots have been returned, compared to 1,540 (24.2%) Republican and 1,721 (26.5%) Independent ballots. 

Florida and North Carolina are the only states where Republicans have a slight lead.  In Florida, 265,683 (41.5%) Republican ballots have been returned, compared to 259,883 (40.6%) Democrats and 96,880 (15.1%) Independents.  In North Carolina, 18,121 (39.2%) Republican ballots have been returned, compared to 16,382 (35.4%) Democrat and 11,613 (25.1%) Independent ballots.

In 2012, 46,220,922 Americans voted before Election Day.  Over the next three weeks, Republicans will need to out-organize Democrats (particularly in key states like Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, Iowa, and Ohio) to go into Election Day with the advantage.

Related PollingNews

Placeholder polling news
May 25, 2023 |
Polling News
In this busy news week for the 2024 presidential contest, Harvard’s monthly Harris Poll broke down where different contenders and political figures stand as the field of White House hopefuls grows. ...
Placeholder polling news
May 18, 2023 |
Polling News
Last week saw the end of the Trump Administration COVID-era Title 42 policy that allowed the expulsion of thousands of illegal immigrants weekly.  ...
Placeholder polling news
May 11, 2023 |
Polling News
According to Pew Research polling, news doesn’t travel the way it used to when it comes to younger voters. ...
Placeholder polling news
May 04, 2023 |
Polling News
A new poll from Harvard’s Kennedy School Institute of Politics tells us that anxieties among young voters on many issues are driving them to vote at near record levels. ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance