The 2016 elections – already distinctive due to a variety of unusual factors – is witnessing a jump in early voting in several states including Virginia.
Around half a million people have already voted throughout the country, including Florida and North Carolina where natural disaster has already made a havoc, according to an NBC report.
Virginia, one of the most diverse states in the region, has already had more than 22 percent votes cast in early voting as compared to 2012, according to figures available 25 days ahead of election. Reports say Democratic Hillary Clinton is gaining an upper hand over Republican Donald Trump.
Until recently, Virginia was considered a swing state and early voting trends suggest the northern parts of the state – normally seen as pro-Democrat- have seen a higher rates. As per reports in the local Press, Fairfax and Loudon counties are seeing some of the largest points in early voting.
Illustration courtesy Virginia Public Access Project
Fairfax County that voted for Barack Obama in 2012 is now in early voting up more than 73 percent, in Loudon County early voting is up for more than 53 percent. Republican leaning Wise County in South West Virginia 342 people have cast their ballots compared to Fairfax County where 14,802 people have cast their ballots in early voting. A Virginia official report has also indicates a heavy voting turnout for absentee voting as well.
According to Virginia Public Access Project the total number of early votes in Virginia is 74,461 -that is up 22 percent compare to 2012.
Virginia polling has shown an upward trend in support for Clinton and since the Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe is her friend and Tim Kane, her running mate is a former Richmond Mayor and Virginia Governor had a role in expanidng Democratic election prospects of in Virginia.
The Trump campaign has vowed to compete in Virginia, as the candidate has asked his campaign to organize his three trips to Virginia between now and November 8 – the election day.
Northern Virginia has a large immigrant community with sizable populations from Asian, Middle Eastern, South Asian and African countries and analysts believe Trump’s attacks against minorities and immigrant communities may be a key factor in detemining which way the state goes.
