Political expert weighs in on early voting turnout

DELMARVA. – Over 70 million Americans cast their ballots early this election cycle.

It’s a number that Delaware State University professor of history and politics, Dr. Samuel B Hoff, isn’t surprised by. He described early voting as being a convenient option for people looking to handle their civic duty.

“We have to give 36 states credit whose laws allow for that. It may be mail-in voting for disabled and others, but for early voting, we’re looking at a majority,” Dr. Hoff said.

Dr. Hoff points to safety as being a key driving factor for early voting turnout.
He put it this way: The earlier a voter can hit the polls or drop off their ballot by mail, the less likely they are to have their safety potentially compromised during this contentious election.

“Some people might fear an experience like January 6th,” Dr. Hoff said. “On the other hand, the percentage of folks who’ve early voted in Delaware– approximately 22% when we average it out, although 40% in Sussex– that’s amazing. That also speaks to trust in the system.”

With less than 24 hours to go, Dr. Hoff sent out his final message to Delmarva: get out and vote if you can.

“We hope that folks will perform that duty and then be able to enjoy the results. In that sense, it is a very critical part of, what we know of as, citizenship,” Dr. Hoff said.