Democrats are ahead in early voting -

[Frustratedlady]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/21/politics/main6977597.shtml?tag=nl.e875


Election Day is already over for more than 3 million Americans, and a surprising number of them are Democrats.

Republicans clearly are gaining ground in turning out early voters compared with their showing two years ago, but figures from the first batch of states that offer clues about 2010 early voting patterns still give Democrats an edge in a number of states and big counties.

"If people thought the Democrats were just going to roll over and play dead in this election, that's not what we're seeing," said Michael McDonald, a George Mason University professor who tracks early voting nationally. "They've got to be feeling a little bit better with the numbers that they're seeing."

With 30 percent or more of all votes likely to be cast early, both sides are going all-out to lock in supporters' ballots early. And for the first time in a midterm election, they're combining traditional shoe-leather canvassing and get-out-the-vote rallies with technological tools like Facebook and text messaging.

Strategies run the gamut: In Washington state, Democrats held a "tweetup" to rein in young early voters. In Illinois, a voter-education group posted a YouTube video about the state's early-voting law highlighting the ability to vote naked - from the comfort of home, please. In Florida, Democrats e-mailed a notice that "Today is Election Day. No, that's not a typo, because every day between now and November 2 is Election Day."

Much more....

[Kdillard]

1. I am shocked this is being reported. Nice to read for once that Dems are not

rolling over.

[Frustratedlady]

2. I have mixed emotions about a heads-up. It might be better to ignore

the large numbers...a sneak attack sort of thing.

Of course, with more Dems voting early, they could be voting against us, but all we can do is hope.

I won't hide the fact I'm running scared and can't wait for this election to be over and know Obama is safe in the White House again.

[Phx_Dem]

10. I wish it wasn't being reported. Dems could become complacent and teabaggers

could get more energized. Which is probably why the media is reporting it.

[Frustratedlady]

11. Reminds me of the days of Martha (Mrs. John Mitchell) and her phone calls.

She probably should have been listened to more closely rather than ridiculed. I'm sure she knew a lot more than we ever heard about Watergate and that crew.

[Clio the Leo]

3. This is perhaps THE story I'm waiting to see play out on election day...

..... my gut tells me that it's Dem leaning indies, still registered as Dems but voting (in part) GOP .... but I'm saying that out of an abundance of caution.

We shall see.......

[Cognitive_Resonance]

4. My wife and I voted absentee on Tuesday. It felt really good! Two more votes "in the bank". nt

[Beetwasher]

5. Shhh!!! Let Them Keep Telling Us We're Going To Be Clobbered! It Only Motivates Us MORE!!!

n/t

[flamingdem]

9. I was wondering if that will finally irk people enough that they'll vote! nt

[Arugula Latte]

6. Well, well, well ...

What do we have here?

[vaberella]

7. I am shocked. I still know the Black and Hispanic numbers will only happen day of voting. n/t

[AspenRose]

8. I don't understand why the media is acting so "surprised"

Early voting is usually dominated by Democrats.