Democrats dominated mail-in voting in 2020, but the tide might be turning
Imagine having an advantage and watching it slip through your fingers – that’s the current scenario for Democrats with mail-in voting. In 2020, they completely dominated this arena. Fast forward a few years, and things are looking surprisingly rosy for the GOP.
The GOP’s Rising Star in Early Voting
Meet Jimmy Keady, the mastermind political strategist and president of JLK Political Strategies. Keady observes an exciting shift – the GOP’s early vote numbers are better than in 2020. Yes, you read that right. Republicans are finally catching up in the early voting game.
“It’s great news that Republicans are starting to early vote,” Keady said in a recent chat with Fox News Digital. The mail-in vote gap that once seemed like a canyon between Republicans and Democrats is now narrowing to a creek.
Data from Decision Desk HQ highlights a dramatic shift in voter habits. Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, once Democratic strongholds for mail-in voting, show a decrease in the Democratic advantage by over 5% in Florida, nearly 15% in North Carolina, and a whopping 35% in Pennsylvania.
This shift isn’t just numbers on a page. It’s a strategic advantage that changes how campaigns allocate their resources. Keady elaborates, saying, “Once you go vote, those annoying text messages, mail, and robocalls stop. Campaigns can then focus their efforts on persuading lower propensity voters, who play a crucial role in tight elections.”
Swing States in the Spotlight
North Carolina and Pennsylvania, swing states known for their razor-thin margins, are where this change could really tip the scales. Current polling averages showcase Vice President Kamala Harris with less than a point lead in Pennsylvania, while Trump holds a similar narrow lead in North Carolina. Talk about a nail-biter!
Given these margins, the early and mail-in voter turnout becomes a game of chess where every move counts. The GOP is getting better at this game, a change that could very well influence the outcome of another close election.
“It definitely signals that there’s turnout, and that the base has adopted the belief that early voting is a proper and mostly secure way to vote,” Keady observed. This is a major shift for Republicans, who have traditionally been cautious about early and mail-in voting.
The GOP’s New Strategy
Keady emphasizes the importance of encouraging Republicans to embrace early and mail-in voting. He explains that every early vote reduces the burden on Election Day resources, making the task of getting out the vote much more efficient.
“Republicans need to start getting the base to early vote, to do mail-in ballots, to get out to the polls,” Keady advises. This is a key tactic Democrats have mastered over the years. Now, it’s about time the GOP adapts and overcomes.
In conclusion, while early mail-in voting looked like the Democrats’ ace in the hole for 2020, the GOP is catching up fast. This uptick in early voting from the Republican base could be the swing factor in the 2024 elections. It’s a political showdown that promises intrigue, excitement, and perhaps a Twitter tirade or two from the former President himself.
Buckle up, folks! The 2024 elections are going to be one for the history books.
