As the 2020 presidential election approaches, the state of Ohio is once again in the spotlight as a key battleground state. Within Ohio, Summit County holds particular importance as it is a highly populated and politically diverse county. In recent years, early voting has become a popular option for voters in Summit County and across the country. But what impact does early voting have on democratic campaigns in Summit County, Ohio?
The Rise of Early Voting
Early voting, also known as absentee voting or mail-in voting, allows voters to cast their ballots before Election Day.This can be done either in person at designated polling locations or by requesting a mail-in ballot. The popularity of early voting has been steadily increasing over the years, with more and more states adopting this option. In Ohio, early voting was first introduced in 2005 and has since become a significant factor in elections. In the 2016 presidential election, over 1.8 million Ohioans voted early, making up nearly 40% of all votes cast in the state. In Summit County specifically, over 100,000 people voted early in the same election.
The Impact on Democratic Campaigns
Early voting has had a significant impact on democratic campaigns in Summit County, Ohio.One of the main advantages for democratic candidates is that it allows them to reach a larger number of voters. By casting their ballots early, voters are able to avoid long lines and potential issues on Election Day. This means that democratic campaigns have more time to target and persuade undecided voters. Moreover, early voting also allows campaigns to focus their resources on other key areas instead of solely focusing on getting out the vote on Election Day. This can be especially beneficial in a county like Summit, where there are both urban and rural areas that require different campaign strategies. Another advantage for democratic campaigns is that early voting allows for more accurate voter targeting.
By tracking who has already voted, campaigns can focus their efforts on those who have not yet cast their ballots. This can be particularly useful in a county like Summit, where there is a diverse mix of voters with varying political beliefs.
The Challenges of Early Voting
While early voting has its advantages, it also presents some challenges for democratic campaigns in Summit County. One of the main challenges is the limited time frame for campaigning. With early voting starting weeks before Election Day, campaigns have a shorter window to reach voters and make their case.This means that campaigns must be more strategic and efficient in their messaging and outreach efforts. Another challenge is the potential for early voting to favor certain demographics over others. For example, studies have shown that early voting tends to benefit older and wealthier voters who are more likely to vote early. This can be a disadvantage for democratic campaigns, as these demographics tend to lean towards conservative candidates.
The Impact on Voter Turnout
One of the main goals of early voting is to increase overall voter turnout. In Summit County, early voting has had a positive impact on voter turnout in recent years.In the 2016 presidential election, Summit County had a voter turnout rate of 69%, which was higher than the state average of 64%. This can be attributed in part to the availability of early voting options. Moreover, early voting has also helped to increase voter turnout among traditionally marginalized communities. In Summit County, African American and Hispanic voters have seen an increase in turnout since the introduction of early voting. This is significant as these communities have historically faced barriers to voting and have been underrepresented in the political process.
The Future of Early Voting in Summit County
As early voting continues to gain popularity, it is likely to have an even greater impact on democratic campaigns in Summit County, Ohio.With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, early voting has become an even more crucial option for voters who may be hesitant to vote in person on Election Day. This means that campaigns will need to adapt and adjust their strategies to effectively reach and engage with voters through early voting methods. In conclusion, early voting has had a significant impact on democratic campaigns in Summit County, Ohio. While it presents some challenges, it also offers numerous advantages for campaigns looking to reach a diverse and politically engaged population. As we approach the 2020 presidential election, it will be interesting to see how early voting continues to shape the political landscape in Summit County and beyond.
