Early voting: More good signs for Clinton in key states
BY Agencies28 Oct 2016 10:17 PM GMT
Agencies28 Oct 2016 10:17 PM GMT
The millions of votes that have been cast already in the US presidential election point to an advantage for Hillary Clinton in critical battleground states, as well as signs of strength in traditionally Republican territory.
The strong early-voting turnout by those likely to support Clinton – registered Democrats, minorities, and young people among others – could leave Donald Trump with virtually no path to the 270 electoral votes needed for victory.
Clinton is showing strength in Florida and North Carolina, both must-win states for Trump, as well as the battleground states of Nevada, Colorado and Arizona. There are even favorable signs for Clinton in Republican-leaning Utah and Texas.
“It’s going to be a very tall order for Trump to win,” said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida professor, who specialises in election turnout. Other analysts also point to a strong finish for Clinton based on the early vote.
Early voting, via mail or in-person, is underway in 37 states. More than 12.5 million votes have been cast, far higher than the rate in 2012, according to data. In all, more than 46 million people – or as much as 40 per cent of the electorate – are expected to vote before Election Day, November 8.
The Clinton campaign describes both North Carolina and Florida as “checkmate” states. Trump probably can’t win if he loses either.
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