Overview
- An Associated Press analysis shows more than 13 million mail‑in and early in‑person ballots have been cast so far, up from about 9 million at the same point in 2022.
- Several pivotal states report large increases versus 2022, with Texas up about 74%, Kansas more than doubling, and Maine, North Carolina and Ohio each up more than 30%.
- In many of the states with gains, Republicans now make up a smaller share of advance voters than they did four years ago, creating new pickup chances for Democrats.
- Parties and outside groups are shifting resources in response, including a roughly $12 million GOP push into Kansas and reduced spending in at least one North Carolina contest, while Ohio’s Senate race has attracted nearly $500 million in total spending.
- Uneven rules and local factors are shaping the picture: Ohio recently eliminated a mail‑ballot grace period, Texas has reached nearly 1 million early ballots, and Michigan and Georgia remain near 2022 levels while Iowa is down slightly, all of which could influence control of the 53‑47 Senate.