Voting Changes and Challenges in the 2024 Election
- An election data expert predicts 45% of voters will vote in person on Election Day, with 20% voting early and 35% by mail.
- Election officials are concerned about potential unrest at polling places due to heightened political tensions.
- Legal changes may complicate attempts to contest election results, with fears of legal consequences acting as a deterrent.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, significant changes in voting patterns are anticipated compared to previous elections. An election data expert from MIT predicts that approximately 45% of voters will cast their ballots in person on Election Day, with 20% voting early in person and 35% opting for mail-in ballots. This shift reflects a gradual return to pre-pandemic voting behaviors, as the public is no longer facing the same health concerns that influenced the 2020 election. Election officials express concerns about potential unrest at polling places, with some fearing that heightened political tensions could lead to unpredictable situations. For instance, a Republican election supervisor in Florida highlighted worries about unknown factors that could disrupt the voting process, reminiscent of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legal experts are also closely monitoring the potential for election-related lawsuits, particularly from Republican allies, as seen in the previous election cycle. Changes in laws governing the counting of electoral votes may complicate any attempts to contest the election results, with experts suggesting that the fear of legal repercussions could deter individuals from engaging in unlawful activities. In swing states like Pennsylvania, the counting of mail-in ballots will not commence until Election Day, which could delay the announcement of a clear winner. This situation underscores the complexities and challenges that voters and officials may face as they navigate the electoral process in 2024.