Early Voting Trends Favor Kamala Harris in US Presidential Race
As the US presidential election approaches, early voting has begun to reveal significant trends, particularly between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. According to recent polls, Harris is leading in early voting, while Trump is focusing his efforts on Election Day turnout. A report from NBC News indicates that nearly 14.5 million Americans have already cast their votes, with Democrats making up 46% of early voters compared to 29% who are registered Republicans.
In crucial swing states like Georgia and North Carolina, early voting has set records, with over 310,000 votes cast on the first day in Georgia alone. A USA Today and Suffolk University poll highlights Harris's lead among early voters, showing her at 63% compared to Trump's 34%. Despite this, Trump leads among those intending to vote on Election Day, with a 52% to 45% margin. Overall, the race remains tight, with Harris holding a narrow advantage of 45% to 44% over Trump.
Experts suggest that the increase in early voting could provide a strategic advantage for Democrats, allowing them to engage with undecided voters more effectively. Additionally, both candidates are intensifying their outreach to Hispanic and Black voters, with Harris maintaining a strong lead among Black voters even as Trump makes gains among Latino voters.
Fundraising and Campaign Strategies
As the election nears, fundraising efforts have also played a crucial role in shaping the campaigns. Kamala Harris's campaign has raised a staggering $1 billion since her entry into the race, with $359 million raised in September alone. In contrast, Trump's campaign raised $160 million during the same period. This financial edge allows Harris to invest heavily in advertising and outreach, spending $270 million in September, including significant funds on advertising slots.
In a notable campaign stunt, Trump recently visited a McDonald's in Pennsylvania, where he served fries to mock Harris's past claims of working at the fast-food chain during her youth. This move is seen as an attempt to connect with working-class voters and contrast his background with Harris's narrative of hard work and perseverance. However, the effectiveness of such tactics remains to be seen as both candidates prepare for the final stretch leading up to the election.