Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows

The Associated Press has found that voter turnout is significantly higher in many states expected to decide control of the U.S. Senate compared to the previous midterm election, according to an analysis of early voting two weeks before Election Day. In Texas, early voting has increased by 74% compared to 2022. Kansas has seen more than double the early voting activity.

Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio have also experienced increases of over 30% in early in-person and mail voting. Democrats are targeting Republican-held Senate seats in these states, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. The surge in early voting is attributed to dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's policies, rising costs of living, and gas prices due to the Iran war.

Nationally, over 13 million mail-in and early in-person votes have been cast, compared to 9 million at the same point in 2022.