Could This Election See Record Turnout? Millions Of Americans Have Already Voted

The Nov. 3 election between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden could see record turnout, as more than 6.6 million Americans have already cast their ballots, according to the United States Election Project.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted millions of Americans to vote early, whether by mail or in-person. University of Florida political science professor Michael McDonald told Reuters he predicts a record turnout of around 150 million -- 65% of eligible voters.

For comparison, the 2016 election between Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton saw turnout of around 138 million Americans, or 58.1% of eligible voters.

The major battleground states of Ohio and Arizona began in-person early voting this week. In Ohio, voters woke up early in places such as Hamilton County, with lines wrapped around polling centers.

With only 26 days before the election, numerous events have upended the race. Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis, along with his performance in the first debate against Biden, appear to have hurt him in polls.

A recent Fox News poll showed Biden with a 10-point lead over Trump, 53% to 43%. An Economist/YouGov survey shows a 9-point lead, 51% to 42%.