
With Arizona Republicans leading early voting by over 182,000 ballots, party leaders are hopeful this shift will help secure critical victories. Arizona GOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda shared her confidence in the party’s standing, stating, “Unless Democrats drastically change their [voting] behavior by Tuesday, I think we’re in a very good position to win at the top of the ticket.”
More than 2.2 million Arizonans have already voted, with 58.3% of Republicans casting ballots, compared to 57.4% of Democrats. Independent turnout sits at nearly 38%, adding another dynamic to close races. Swoboda noted that many early voters are low-propensity and new to the voting process, which bodes well for Republican candidates.
Caroline Wren — Republicans are looking at +9 lead in Arizona early voting. MAGA turnout was greatly underestimated by polls.pic.twitter.com/9eIXpCFMJw
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 2, 2024
Swoboda also pointed out that these early votes aren’t cannibalizing the expected Election Day turnout, indicating there is still more support to come. However, Arizona’s four-page ballot could create long waits at polling places, leading Swoboda to advise voters to prepare for delays.
In a noticeable shift, former President Donald Trump and GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake have encouraged early voting, a tactic previously dominated by Democrats. Early-voting banners appeared at Trump’s recent rally in Tempe, highlighting the party’s concerted push for turnout before Election Day.
.@kleavittnh: President Trump is holding TEN rallies in the next three days — barnstorming the country. It's been more than 70 days and he has not taken a single day off… If you look at the early voting trends in North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia — Republicans are leading. pic.twitter.com/RMKNZCMwJJ
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 2, 2024
Democrats, who traditionally lead in early and mail-in voting, also mobilized their base, with former President Bill Clinton campaigning in Phoenix. Nonetheless, the Arizona GOP is hopeful its early lead will be enough to maintain momentum and win key races across the state.