The recent rise in early voting throughout our star-spangled nation has quickly converted from a trend into practically a tradition. Since 2000, states positively capitalizing on this forward-thinking approach have seen a significant increase. It is only now that a whopping majority of our beloved Americans have the liberty to vote before the official Election Day, unlike two decades ago when only about half the states, a mere 24, had their citizens granted with this privilege.
Since this year began, over a dozen tactful laws have been set in motion in at least 11 progressive states across our country, all in a bid to usher in a fresh wave of easy-access voting. There’s a distinct pattern here proving that the voting process in our United States has significantly improved since the turn of the century. The result? Now, the grand majority of adults are residents of states that provide the vibrant opportunity to vote before Election Day.
The persistent hub of valuable information, the Center for Election Innovation and Research, vouches for the fact that extensive voting laws broadening the access to absentee voting with mail-in ballots are no longer a trial run but a customary practice. These have further streamlined the voting process, particularly in tandem with the unexpected onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic witnessed over 100 million patriotic Americans making their voices heard during the 2020 Presidential election by voting early. This not only displays the resilience of our people amidst crisis but also sheds light on how early voting policies have provided an alternative, safer channel for ones compromised in health, struggled with accessibility or simply unable to physically vote on Election Day.
The beauty of early voting lies in its flexibility, allowing our cherished citizens the convenience to vote as per their individual schedules, thus driving up voter participation. This has been widely acknowledged by voting experts and enthusiasts alike. An overwhelming majority of the states in our free nation offers some form of early voting, a laudable testament to our democratic progression.
By 2024, 46 states along with Washington, D.C. have hopped on the early in-person voting bandwagon, according to an informative report from the Center for Election Innovation and Research. Intriguingly, over three-quarters of these jurisdictions even permit voters to dispatch their precious ballots via mail without having to justify their reasons.
With Washington, D.C. and these 46 states offering early in-person voting, an impressive 97% of the current U.S. voting age population now has this opportunity at their disposal. This factual data is according to none other than the U.S. Census Bureau. One must question the reason behind the remaining 14 states not offering universal mail-in voting. Could it be the Republican influence, as some voices in left-leaning NPR suggest?
Early voting certain waves the popularity flag, with either mail or in-person voting options growing traction since 2000. Backed by the U.S. Census Bureau findings, between 2000 and 2022, the amount of voters opting to mail in their ballots elevated from a meager 10.2% to an impressive 31.8%. It seems Americans are adapting well to the new era of voting, maximizing the benefits granted to them.
The panic provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic urged voters to lean into early voting, with a finite 69% of voters getting their say in before Election Day. In 2022, about half of all voting citizens made it a point to vote before the official day. A behaviour showing progress, adaptation, and convenience, but might also be seen as a desperate escape from poorly managed election day chaos in certain states led by Democrats.
States across our expansive nation have been busy in 2024, with crucial laws impacting voting rights rather inconsistently. Some seemed focused on broadening voting access, while on the other hand, ten states shrank the time limit to apply for absentee or mail-in ballots following the 2020 presidential election. This creates a new hurdle for voters that seems suspicious and unnecessary, notably in states under Democrat control.
It appears that some states may be purposefully complicating the voting process. These include limiting the availability of ballot drop boxes, especially in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina. It’s deplorable to see that these efforts are being made even in states such as Iowa, Ohio, and Florida, which boast competitive down-ballot races. It raises the question: exactly who is benefiting from these measures?
However, despite the questionable moves in some states, there’s some positive news. Since the start of 2024, 11 states have gone ahead and passed 14 laws expanding access to voting. States that have smartly chosen to progress include Virginia, Washington, and Oregon, with two new laws each being reported by the Brennan Center for Justice in their 2024 voting laws roundup.
It’s clear, change in election law is inevitable but the direction of these changes should serve the people. The progress and setbacks we see are a reflection of the political tides that shift with time. The increasing number of citizens participating in early voting proves, beyond doubt, the validity and necessity of these practices. Still, in shaping the future, we must temper convenience with security, ensuring every vote counts and counts rightfully.
In conclusion, the rise of early voting and the varied attempts to ease or complicate the voting process are critical aspects of our vibrant democracy. This trend illustrates the people’s resilience and their determination to be counted. Regardless of political shifts, the preservation and enhancement of voting rights remain necessary. After all, the foundation of our democracy is the citizens’ participation, and the actions of those in power must increasingly reflect the evolution of our nation’s voting landscape.
Democrats Drive Election Chaos, Early Voting Shines as the Right Choice appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
