54.5 Million Early Ballots Cast as 2026 Midterm Turnout Nears 2022 Record
As of November 2, 2026, 54.5 million Americans have cast early ballots for the midterm elections, nearly matching the 2022 total. Twenty-three states have exceeded their 2022 early voting numbers, with Texas leading at 138% of its previous early vote. High turnout is observed in competitive races across Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan, though early voting does not determine final results.
Key points
- 54.5 million early ballots have been cast, representing nearly 100% of the 2022 midterm early vote total.
- 23 states have surpassed their 2022 early voting turnout, including Texas, Connecticut, Illinois, and Louisiana.
- Texas has cast more than 138% of its 2022 early votes, with 7.7 million in-person ballots cast.
- Georgia has cast over 2.8 million early ballots, equating to 71% of its total 2022 turnout.
- Competitive races in Ohio and Michigan show early voting nearing or exceeding 2022 levels, with 1.6 million and 1.8 million ballots cast respectively.
Background
Previous coverage noted that early voting surged past 50 million by November 1, driven by Democratic enthusiasm and dissatisfaction with presidential policies. Texas had already recorded a record 7.4 million early votes by October 31, matching the 2018 peak. National polls indicated Democrats leading by 8.4 points, with intense competition for control of Congress amid rising costs and an Iran conflict.
Why it matters
High early voting turnout in key battleground states signals intense competition for control of the Senate and House. While early votes do not determine final outcomes, the near-parity with 2022 levels suggests a highly engaged electorate in critical races across Texas, Georgia, and other competitive states.
What to watch
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Final results will depend on in-person voting and mail ballot processing in states where early voting has recently concluded. Analysts will monitor rural turnout and mail ballot disputes to determine the final outcome of competitive races.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on WGAL