Early Voting Starts in Key States Amid Election Tension \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ In-person voting for the presidential election began Friday in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia. Following a summer of political upheaval, voters have started casting ballots early, with election officials focused on security amid concerns over potential disruptions. As more states prepare to open early voting, tensions are high in this pivotal election season.
Presidential Election Early Voting: Quick Looks
- Early Voting Begins: In-person voting started Friday in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, launching a six-week race to Election Day.
- Political Turmoil: Early voting follows a summer of upheaval, with President Joe Biden exiting the race, Kamala Harris replacing him, and assassination attempts targeting Donald Trump.
- Voter Concerns: Local election officials are strengthening security measures to protect workers and polling sites from harassment and threats, amid concerns over potential Election Day chaos.
- Turnout Trends: Early voting is expected to help reduce Election Day crowding, though some areas anticipate long lines due to high voter interest.
- Trump and Harris Campaigns: Both campaigns are pushing for early voting, with Trump now encouraging Republicans to lock in votes before Election Day, a shift from his previous anti-mail voting stance.
- Voter Sentiments: Voters expressed strong feelings about the stakes of the election, ranging from concerns over democracy and reproductive rights to immigration and the economy.
Deep Look
In-person voting for the highly anticipated presidential election kicked off on Friday, marking the start of a crucial six-week sprint to Election Day. Voters lined up to cast their ballots in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia—the first states to open their polls for early voting. This year’s election follows a summer marked by political turbulence, including President Joe Biden withdrawing from the race, Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee, and assassination attempts against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
In Minneapolis, voters arrived early, eager to be part of the first wave to cast their ballots. Jason Miller, a 37-year-old house painter, was first in line at a local polling site, where about 75 voters submitted their ballots within the first hour. “Why not try to be first? That’s kind of fun, right?” Miller quipped, adding that he voted “against crazy” but declined to specify his choice, hinting that his decision was “pretty obvious.”
The beginning of early voting comes after a politically charged summer, where the presidential race took unexpected twists. In a shocking turn, President Joe Biden stepped down from the race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic ticket. At the same time, Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts in just nine weeks, adding to the intensity of an already heated campaign season.
As the election approaches, concerns over voter safety and election security are at the forefront. Election officials across the country have been working to bolster security measures in light of threats against election workers, which have been on the rise since the 2020 election. Harassment, intimidation, and death threats directed at election personnel have forced authorities to take additional precautions to ensure that polling places remain safe and that voting procedures are not disrupted.
Federal authorities are also investigating a series of suspicious packages sent to election officials in more than 15 states, including Virginia. This heightened threat level has left some voters wary of potential chaos on Election Day, driving many to cast their ballots early to avoid any issues. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who also serves as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, summed up the sentiment during a press briefing, stating, “If I could wave a magic wand in this room right now, I would wish for two things: high turnout and low drama.”
For some voters, the possibility of trouble on Election Day is a significant reason to vote early. Chris Burda, 74, voted for Kamala Harris in Minneapolis and encouraged others to follow suit, citing concerns over potential disruptions at polling stations. Burda emphasized Harris’ dedication to democracy and individual freedoms, noting her focus on reproductive rights. “She’s standing up for democracy and the freedom to choose,” Burda said.
As the early voting period began, Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric, pledging to prosecute anyone who cheats in the election—a continuation of his unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Despite previously urging Republicans to avoid early voting in favor of casting ballots on Election Day, Trump and the Republican National Committee have shifted their strategy, now encouraging GOP voters to embrace early and mail-in voting. This change in approach aims to match the long-standing practice of Democrats, who have used early voting to secure their base.
Eugene Otteson, a 71-year-old Vietnam War veteran from Anoka, Minnesota, cast his early ballot for Trump, stating that he believes Trump is better equipped to manage the economy and avoid unnecessary foreign interventions. “Not that I like him,” Otteson admitted, “but he’s a business person, and I like someone who can run a business.”
Virginia, a state where early in-person voting has been popular in past elections, also saw a steady turnout on the first day. Local election officials noted that roughly a third of voters cast their ballots in person on Election Day during the 2020 election, while the rest opted for early or mail-in voting. This year, election directors expect early voting to alleviate crowding on Election Day, but they are still preparing for potential wait times due to the high level of interest in the presidential race.
One of the Virginians voting early on Friday was Rocklyn Faher, a 70-year-old retired U.S. Navy aviation electrician. He became emotional as he cast his ballot for Kamala Harris in Norfolk, expressing deep concern about the future of the country and the preservation of the Constitution. Faher cited his grandchildren as the driving force behind his vote, describing the election as “the most important of the last 100 years.”
Faher, who supports reproductive rights and Harris’ proposal to provide $25,000 for first-time homebuyers, also criticized Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on foreign goods. He sharply contrasted Harris’ approach with Trump’s more aggressive stance on immigration, particularly his proposals for mass deportations, which Faher described as “insane.”
Immigration continues to be a critical issue for Trump supporters as well. Israel Chavez, a 37-year-old who emigrated from Peru at the age of 10, cast his ballot for Trump, pointing to his father’s legal immigration as the proper way to enter the country. Chavez voiced support for Trump’s stricter immigration policies, stating, “My dad brought us into the country legally. He just did it right.”
In South Dakota, early voting also began with a steady stream of voters. At the Yankton County elections office, assistant auditor Kasi Foss noted that it was unusual to see so many people voting early on the first day. While several ballot initiatives are on the line in South Dakota, including measures related to abortion rights and marijuana legalization, Foss suggested that the presidential race is driving much of the turnout.
Some voters are opting for early in-person voting over mail-in ballots due to ongoing concerns about the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to deliver ballots on time. Election officials have warned of persistent issues within the Postal Service, which could potentially disenfranchise voters who rely on mail-in voting. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has pledged to work with state election officials to address these concerns, though skepticism remains.
In light of these challenges, Minnesota’s Steve Simon urged voters to make their plans now to ensure their voices are heard. “The stakes really are high,” Simon said, emphasizing the importance of voter preparedness in the weeks leading up to Election Day.
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