Early Voting Predictions for 2012

Return to Election Data Dispatches.

The 2012 general election will see the highest number ever of votes cast before Election Day according to estimates by Michael McDonald, political scientist at George Mason University.

Approximately 35 percent of voters are forecast to vote early in 2012, compared to the previous high of 30 percent in 2008.

Not only does this have an impact on election administration, but as McDonald notes, it has changed how campaigns approach getting out the vote, with efforts now geared specifically toward getting voters to cast ballots well before November 6th.