Saturday marks the final day for early in-person voting in five states – New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia – as the nation gears up for Election Day in just three days. North Carolina is a key swing state in this election cycle, having last voted for a Democratic president in 2008. Trump won the state by a convincing margin in 2016, but that margin has significantly decreased in 2020, making the state a toss-up according to the Fox News Power Rankings. North Carolina’s population has experienced growth in urban and suburban areas, with an influx of wealthy urban Americans due to the pandemic.
In North Carolina, key down-ballot races include the 1st District, where Democratic Rep. Don Davis is facing Army veteran Laurie Buckhout in a toss-up race. The state’s 13th and 14th Districts have shifted due to redistricting, making them vulnerable to Republican flips. West Virginia’s Senate seat, currently held by Sen. Joe Manchin, is a strong Republican target this election cycle. In New Mexico’s 2nd District, Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez faces former Republican occupant Yvette Herrell in a Power Rankings toss-up race. Virginia’s 2nd District is a closely watched Republican flip race, with Rep. Jen Kiggans facing U.S. Navy veteran Missy Cotter Smasal in a Lean R race. The 7th District, currently held by Abigail Spanberger, is up for grabs in a toss-up race between Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson.
Voters in New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia who have received their mail-in ballots have until Nov. 5 to deliver them to local election officials. Saturday is the final day for early in-person voting in these states. North Carolina is ranked as a toss-up state, with a close race between Democratic nominee Vice President Harris and former President Trump. The state’s population growth in urban and suburban areas has made it more competitive in recent years. In West Virginia, Republicans are expected to have a strong showing, potentially giving them 50 senate seats or one short of a majority. In Virginia, the 2nd and 7th Districts are closely watched races, with potential shifts in party control.
As the nation approaches Election Day, voters in these five states have the opportunity to cast their last-minute ballots during early voting. Key down-ballot races in North Carolina, West Virginia, New Mexico, and Virginia could have significant implications for party control in Congress. The influx of population growth in urban areas and the shifting demographics of these states make them competitive battlegrounds for both Republicans and Democrats. Voters who have received mail-in ballots have until Nov. 5 to deliver them to local election officials, while early in-person voting ends on Saturday in these states.
