The Mechanics and Strategy of Early Voting in Modern Campaigns

Introduction

Early voting, encompassing absentee voting and in-person early voting, has transformed the way campaigns approach elections. By enabling voters to cast their ballots before Election Day, this system offers unique opportunities for campaigns to secure votes early, optimize resources, and refine strategies. However, understanding and leveraging early voting requires a nuanced approach tailored to each state’s rules and voter behavior.

Understanding the Variability in Early Voting Laws

Early voting isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. The terminology and rules vary significantly across states. Some states, like Alabama and New Hampshire, do not allow early voting at all. Others, such as Washington, conduct their elections entirely by mail. Most states offer a hybrid model with options for in-person early voting, absentee ballots, or both. These variations impact how campaigns approach voter outreach and resource allocation.

For example, in states like Iowa, absentee ballots can be requested and submitted in person, blending the concepts of early and absentee voting. Campaigns must familiarize themselves with these nuances to ensure compliance and maximize voter turnout.

The Strategic Advantages of Early Voting

Early voting offers several benefits to campaigns, particularly in resource allocation and data collection.

1. Resource Optimization:
Banking votes early means campaigns can focus their efforts on undecided or harder-to-reach voters as Election Day approaches. By reducing the number of voters they need to contact during the final push, campaigns save money on mail, texts, and calls.

2. Data-Driven Insights:
Early voting provides campaigns with real-time data. For example, voter files updated daily by the Secretary of State show who has already voted. Campaigns can use this information to identify trends, such as unexpected turnout among low-propensity voters, and adjust their strategies accordingly.

3. Risk Mitigation:
Securing votes early reduces the impact of last-minute developments, such as October surprises or adverse weather on Election Day. This strategy ensures a portion of the electorate is locked in before unforeseen events can influence their decisions.

Chasing and Banking Early Votes

A successful early voting program involves two critical phases: push and chase.

Push Phase:
Campaigns encourage their supporters to vote early, using persuasive messaging to highlight the convenience and benefits of early voting. Messages might include reminders about avoiding long lines or emphasizing excitement to support a candidate.

Chase Phase:
Once early voting begins, campaigns shift focus to voters who have requested ballots but haven’t yet returned them. Using tools like peer-to-peer texting, mailers, and even door-to-door canvassing, campaigns remind these voters to submit their ballots. Advanced strategies include equipping canvassers with data on households that have received ballots, allowing for highly targeted outreach.

Building Trust in Early Voting

Despite its benefits, early voting has faced skepticism, particularly following the 2020 election. Campaigns must work to rebuild trust in the process by emphasizing transparency and reliability.

1. Transparency Through Tracking:
Many states now offer ballot tracking systems, allowing voters to monitor their ballots from request to submission. Campaigns can highlight these tools to reassure voters about the security and accuracy of their votes.

2. Consistent Messaging:
Effective campaigns discuss early voting well in advance, normalizing the process. Candidates themselves can play a pivotal role by publicly encouraging early voting, setting an example for their supporters.

The Role of Early Voting in GOTV Efforts

Get Out the Vote (GOTV) operations are traditionally focused on Election Day, but early voting shifts this timeline. Campaigns now treat the weeks leading up to Election Day as an extended sales period, adjusting their strategies to prioritize early turnout.

1. Tracking Progress:
Daily updates on early voting allow campaigns to compare turnout rates against historical benchmarks. If turnout lags, campaigns can allocate additional resources to close the gap.

2. Adjusting Messaging:
Early voting data provides insights into voter demographics and preferences, enabling campaigns to fine-tune their messaging. For example, if newly registered voters are turning out in large numbers, campaigns can address issues relevant to this group.

Encouraging Voter Participation

For some voters, casting a ballot early may feel less satisfying than voting on Election Day. Campaigns can overcome this hesitation with tailored messaging. Effective tactics include emphasizing the convenience of early voting, the opportunity to avoid unwanted calls and texts once they’ve voted, or highlighting the impact of their early participation on the campaign’s success.

Challenges in Managing Early Voting Programs

Implementing an effective early voting strategy requires robust data management and coordination. Campaigns must integrate early voting data into their existing systems, ensuring that updates are quickly communicated to all teams and vendors. For instance, removing voters who have already cast ballots from call and mail lists saves resources and prevents redundant outreach.

Additionally, campaigns must navigate state-specific regulations around early voting and absentee ballots. Missteps in compliance can undermine voter confidence and lead to operational inefficiencies.

Expanding Civic Engagement

Early voting also creates opportunities for broader civic engagement. The shift from polling places to kitchen tables, where voters complete ballots at home, fosters conversations about political issues among families and friends. Campaigns can support these discussions by providing voter guides, search ads, and other educational resources to ensure voters have the information they need.

Conclusion

Early voting has redefined the political campaign landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges. By banking votes early, campaigns can optimize resources, mitigate risks, and gain valuable insights into voter behavior. However, success requires a well-executed strategy that combines data-driven decision-making with consistent voter outreach.

As early voting becomes an increasingly significant part of elections, campaigns that embrace this approach will be better positioned to engage voters, build trust, and secure victories.

Want even more news and insights from the pros who make politics happen? Become a Campaign Trend Insider and unlock exclusive, subscriber-only content every week for just $10 per month. Also remember to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for podcasts and additional content.

‍