This article discusses the significant rise in early voting in Virginia, with over 106,000 ballots cast just two days into the process, marking a 38% increase from 2020.
Political Science Professor Karen Hult from Virginia Tech attributes this uptick to several factors, including increased Republican participation, spurred by a shift in messaging from key GOP figures like former President Donald Trump and Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Hult highlights how this contrasts with the skepticism many Republicans expressed about early voting in 2020.
She also suggests that Vice President Kamala Harris joining the ticket following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal in July may be encouraging voter turnout.
While the impact of early voting on either party remains uncertain, early participation is open through Nov. 2 at local registrar offices across Virginia.