Early in-person voting starts in three states, igniting the Election Day sprint

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The start of in-person voting for this year’s presidential election marked a significant milestone on Friday. This event initiates a six-week countdown to Election Day, following a season filled with political upheaval.

Voters descended upon polls in states like Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, where early in-person voting was first made available. Approximately a dozen additional states are expected to launch early voting opportunities by mid-October.

In Minneapolis, an eager voter named Jason Miller arrived well ahead of the 8 a.m. opening to secure his spot at the front of the line. He was among the approximately 75 individuals who cast their ballots during the first hour at the early voting center.

“Why not try to be first? That’s kind of fun, right?” remarked the 37-year-old house painter, though he chose not to disclose his presidential preference. “I don’t think I have to. I think that’s pretty obvious. I think that’s very, very clear,” he added.

The beginning of in-person voting comes after a chaotic summer in American politics, characterized by President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee. The summer also saw an assassination attempt on the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, along with another apparent threat on his life soon after.

In reaction to concerns regarding safety and security, local election directors across the nation are enhancing protective measures to safeguard polling workers and sites from potential disruptions. Since the previous election, officials and poll workers have faced harassment and even death threats.

Federal investigations are ongoing regarding a series of suspicious packages sent to elections officials across more than 15 states, including Virginia, raising alarms about security ahead of Election Day.

“If I could wave a magic wand in this room right now, I would wish for two things: Between now and November 5th, I want to see high turnout and low drama,” stated Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon during a press briefing. He also holds the position of president of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Some voters expressed that the possibility of chaos on Election Day influenced their decision to vote early. Chris Burda, 74, emphasized the importance of avoiding any potential disruptions. She opted to vote for Harris in Minneapolis, praising her as a defender of democracy and personal freedoms.

As early voting began, Trump’s rhetoric intensified, pledging to take legal action against any perceived election “cheating,” reinforcing false claims of widespread voter fraud from 2020.

Contrary to his past skepticism about mail-in voting, Trump and the Republican National Committee are now encouraging early and mail voting to secure votes before Election Day. This shift reflects a strategy previously employed by Democrats.

Eugene Otteson, a 71-year-old Vietnam veteran, voted early for Trump in Anoka, Minnesota, believing his business acumen is essential for effective leadership. He shared his views on Harris, stating that he is uncertain about her positions.

In Virginia, early in-person voting has gained popularity. Elections Director Eric Spicer noted that around a third of local voters chose to vote on Election Day during the last presidential election, while the rest participated through mail or early voting.

Among early voters on Friday was Rocklyn Faher, a retired Navy electrician, who became emotional as he shared his sentiments about voting for Harris. He spoke passionately about preserving constitutional rights for future generations, calling this the most crucial election in a century.

Faher expressed support for Harris’s initiatives, including those related to reproductive rights, while criticizing Trump’s economic policies.

Addressing immigration concerns, Israel Chavez, 37, shared his support for Trump, recalling his experiences as a child entering the U.S. legally. He believes that a tougher stance on immigration is necessary.

In Yankton, South Dakota, the county elections office reported unusual activity for the start of early voting, with multiple voters showing interest almost immediately after opening.

Voters in the state are also faced with several controversial ballot initiatives, such as a proposed amendment to protect abortion rights and efforts to legalize recreational marijuana. However, many believe the presidential race is driving voter engagement.

Some voters opted for early in-person voting instead of mail-in ballots to ensure their votes are tallied, given ongoing issues with the U.S. Postal Service. State officials have warned that mail delivery problems could disenfranchise voters, leading to anxieties about the effectiveness of the postal system.

Simon, the Minnesota secretary of state, encouraged voters to create their voting plans promptly. “My hope and expectation is that the USPS will do the things that we have recommended, and do them quickly over the next 47 days because the stakes really are high for individual voters,” he remarked.

Source: Associated Press