Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Florida Democrats casting more mail-in ballots than Republicans, early data finds

Recent polls show Mr Trump and Mr Biden virtually tied in the state

Graig Graziosi
Monday 19 October 2020 12:30 EDT
Comments
Maskless Florida governor high-fives Trump supporters on arrival at rally

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Early polling data coming out of Florida suggests Donald Trump's frequent criticisms of mail-in voting have scared his base and rallied his opponents.  

According to the Florida Division of Elections, 49 per cent of mail-in ballots were turned in by Democrats. Only 30 per cent of voters turning in mail-in ballots were Republicans.  

The remaining approximately 20 per cent of voters were non-party affiliated or affiliated with a third party.  

At least 1,190,508 Democrats have voted by mail as compared to 730,123 Republicans.  

State elections data suggests that there have been more mail-in votes cast for the 2020 US election than there were for the state's primaries last August.

Politico reported that this is the first time that Democrats in Florida have led Republicans in mail-in votes this close to an election day.    

Florida is a swing state, and while Mr Trump does have strong influence there - Governor Ron DeSantis is an unwavering ally of the president and the state is home to his Mar a Lago golf resort - recent polling shows Democratic challenger Joe Biden is competitive in the state.  

A NewsNation/Emerson College poll reported that Mr Biden was polling at 50 per cent in the state while Mr Trump was trailing at 47 per cent, but early polling averages this week show Mr Trump has made up ground, and is now virtually tied with his Democratic rival.  

In recent weeks Mr Biden has attempted to peel the state's elderly voters away from Mr Trump.  

During an appearance at a senior centre in southern Florida last week, Mr Biden spoke to the older voters about Mr Trump's handling of the coronavirus and alleged that the president did not care for their well-being.  

"You're expendable, you're forgettable, you're virtually nobody. That's how he sees seniors. That's how he sees you," Mr Biden said.

Mr Biden's claims are more than just hyperbole; Texas Lt Governor Dan Patrick, a vocal ally of the president, came under fire in April when he argued against coronavirus lockdowns by claiming that hurting the economy was worse than elderly people dying.  

While Mr Patrick is a grandparent to six children and considered himself among those willing to give their lives to save the economy, Mr Trump's allies - as was proven last week when it was reported that former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie received an experimental drug to help him survive his battle with Covid-19 - likely have a greater chance at surviving a bout with Covid-19 than the average 70 year old would.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in