US early voting reaches 26.7 million ahead of November 3

More than 26.7 million Americans have cast early ballots as of late Thursday evening, an increase of more than 3 million in 24 hours. Voters cast 14.3 million mail-in ballots and 12.5 million in-person ballots. Democrats hold 47% of the early vote, Republicans hold 35%, and other parties hold 18%. Turnout in Harris County, Texas, is 57% higher than in the 2022 midterms. Former President Donald Trump and Melania Trump cast ballots in West Palm Beach, Florida. Early in-person voting began in Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York, with New York recording 86,000 check-ins on the first day. Polymarket reports a 91% chance for Democrats to take the House and 64% to 67% for the Senate. In Kalshi markets, Republican Ashley Hinson leads Democrat Turek in Iowa. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to hear a Department of Justice bid to halt the counting of about 20,000 California ballots suspected to be from noncitizens. California authorities stated they may request a full court rehearing if the panel blocks the count. Defendants in an Alaska Department of Justice lawsuit moved to dismiss the case and requested sanctions. Attorney General Blanche stated the Alaska lawsuit does not aim to block election certification. The Department of Justice announced plans to send election monitors to six Georgia counties, including Gwinnett.

This update covers early voting statistics and legal challenges regarding election procedures.