October 24, 2008

A Head Start

Millions of Americans have already cast their vote in the presidential election

By Claudia Atticot

Although Election Day is not until November 4, nearly four million voters have already cast their vote for the next President of the United States.

KIICHIRO SATO—AP Voters in Columbus, Ohio, cast their ballots on October 23.

Early voting started two weeks ago in North Carolina and Illinois. It began this week in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.

Why Vote Early?

Early voting and absentee voting were developed to help people who were unable to make it to the polls on Election Day because of illness or absence due to service in the military, among other reasons. Today, more people are voting early to avoid long lines at polling stations.

Thirty-five states currently allow early voting. Thirty-one of these states do not require any specific reason or excuse to vote early. This is the highest number of no-excuse early voting states in history.

A Strong Turnout

Some states, including North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, have already reported unprecedented voter turnout. Experts predict record numbers of early voters across the U.S. They believe that as many as one-third of all registered voters will cast their ballots early.

As of Wednesday, more than one million people had already voted in Florida alone. "I truly believe that this is by far the most important election I've witnessed in my lifetime," said Alexandra Olivia of the Miami-Dade Elections Department in Florida.

Florida experienced major problems at the polls in the 2000 election. The state has taken steps to smooth out the process this time around. Florida officials added more than 200 voting booths to deal with the long lines. Miami resident Nelson Santos voted early to "avoid all the craziness" on November 4. "I waited in line for 20 minutes on the first day of voting," he says. "I imagine it's going to be out of control on Election Day."

In 1960, almost 70% of all registered voters took part in the election. By 2004, the number was down to 58%. Experts hope that voter turnout will rebound this year. Michael McDonald, an election expert, predicts that this year may be the strongest turnout since the election of 1908, which boasts the highest turnout in history.

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