--- title: "Early Voting Surges in Key Senate States" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/early-voting-surges-in-key-senate-states" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/early-voting-surges-in-key-senate-states" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/early-voting-surges-in-key-senate-states.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/early-voting-surges-in-key-senate-states" category: "Politics" area: "United States" published: "2026-10-21T22:46:06.588Z" source_reported: "2026-10-21T22:03:29.000Z" updated: "2026-10-22T01:00:34.703Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 57 hype_score: 20 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-22T01:00:34.601442+00:00" --- # Early Voting Surges in Key Senate States *AP analysis shows significant increases in turnout in states crucial for Senate control.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the Associated Press, and specific figures are provided for several states. - Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is clear and holds together, with specific figures and dates provided. - Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language used is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or loaded adjectives. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Early voting turnout has increased significantly in many states that are expected to decide control of the U.S. Senate. - Texas has seen a 74% rise in early voting compared to 2022, while Kansas has more than doubled its turnout. - Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio reported increases of over 30% in early voting. - Nationally, over 13 million early and mail-in votes have been cast, a rise from 9 million at the same point in 2022. Early voting turnout is soaring in many states that are expected to determine control of the U.S. Senate, according to an Associated Press analysis of voting data from two weeks before Election Day. In Texas, early voting is up 74% compared with 2022. Kansas has seen its early voting more than double. Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio have also reported increases of more than 30% in early in-person and mail voting when compared to the same point in 2022. Nationally, more than 13 million mail-in and early in-person votes have been cast. This compares with 9 million votes cast at the same stage in 2022. The increase is partly attributed to a few additional states expanding early voting opportunities and making more data available since the last midterms. The AP analysis suggests this turnout reflects potential voter enthusiasm in a midterm cycle that has seen unpredictable shifts. The Associated Press analysis noted that in most of the states where Democrats are trying to flip Republican-held Senate seats, Republicans are accounting for a smaller share of advance voters than in previous years. Factors such as dissatisfaction with tariffs, the cost of living, and high gas prices caused by the Iran war were cited as potential reasons for political blowback against Republicans. ## Disagreement on Iowa turnout While many states are reporting increased early voting, the Associated Press analysis indicates a decrease in Iowa. Early voting in Iowa is down about 6% from the same period four years ago, according to the AP analysis. No other outlet reporting on this story provided specific figures for Iowa. ## What the coverage left out None of the left-rated or centre-rated reports mentioned the specific figures for early voting in Michigan and Georgia, where the total number of early votes cast is high but similar to four years ago, as stated in the full report from Washington Top News. ## Who covered it Shares of the 37 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 57% (21) - Centre: 35% (13) - Right: 8% (3) 4 of 41 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-22T01:00:34.601442+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 10 times; 2 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-22T01:15:20.794Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Fifteen left-rated reports led on the overall increase in early voting turnout in states crucial for Senate control. They highlighted the surge in states like Texas, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio, noting the percentage increases. These reports also mentioned the national figures for early and mail-in votes cast. Several digests indicated that Democrats are trying to flip Republican-held Senate seats in these states and that Republicans are accounting for a smaller share of advance voters. The digests also noted that factors such as dissatisfaction with President Trump's tariffs, the cost of living, and high gas prices were cited as reasons for potential political blowback against Republicans. ### Centre - Ten centre-rated reports focused on the overall increase in early voting turnout in states that are expected to decide control of the U.S. Senate. They highlighted the significant increases in states like Texas and Kansas, and the more than 30% rise in Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio. The digests also presented the national figures for early and mail-in votes cast. Some of these reports mentioned that Democrats are trying to flip Republican-held Senate seats in these states and that Republicans are accounting for a smaller share of advance voters. Factors such as dissatisfaction with President Trump's tariffs, the cost of living, and high gas prices were also mentioned as potential reasons for political blowback against Republicans. ### Right - The three right‑rated outlets all led on a rise in early voting in states with Senate races that could decide chamber control. Each digest cites an Associated Press analysis conducted about two weeks before Election Day and notes that early ballot numbers are higher than they were four years ago or at the last midterm. - None of the digests name the specific states, provide exact ballot counts, quote campaign officials, or explain why turnout is higher. They also omit any discussion of election costs or logistical challenges, limiting the coverage to the general increase reported by the AP analysis. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - mixed: 1 - high: 15 - unknown: 4 - veryHigh: 21 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/general-election/11240872/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/analisis-ap-muchos-estados-que-decidiran-el-control-del-senado-registran-aumento-de-voto-anticipado-b3071103.html) — Analysis Many States that Will Decide the Control of the Senate Register an Increase in Advance Voting - [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/10/21/election-2026-early-turnout) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Coast Reporter](https://coastreporter.net/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922724) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Prince George Citizen](https://princegeorgecitizen.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922724) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Battlefords NOW](https://battlefordsnow.com/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [meadowlakeNOW](https://meadowlakenow.com/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [The NOTL Local](https://notllocal.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [StratfordToday.ca](https://stratfordtoday.ca/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Ckpg Today](https://ckpgtoday.ca/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [flamboroughtoday.com](https://flamboroughtoday.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [nanaimonewsnow.com](https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Thorold Today](https://thoroldtoday.ca/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Bowen Island Undercurrent](https://bowenislandundercurrent.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922724) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [CFJC Today Kamloops](https://cfjctoday.com/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Timmins Today](https://timminstoday.com/world-news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows-12922721) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/election-2026-midterms-voting-early-turnout-44df2c18b387d28022dbb480e99feaba) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/10/many-states-that-could-determine-control-of-the-us-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows – WTOP News - [Watauga Democrat](https://wataugademocrat.com/ap/washington/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting/article_225a3358-4815-58f0-a1c8-004925b4bc19.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [The Bakersfield Californian](https://bakersfield.com/ap/news/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting/article_ef0959aa-efd7-5b0b-97f7-f71794f30b0b.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/apnewsflow/nation/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting/article_718784bd-5b6d-53d1-80b3-31333b8910c8.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Daily News-Record](https://dnronline.com/associated_press/national/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting/article_17c3278c-430e-5cd0-9c12-259c42d9a883.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/oct/21/many-states-deciding-control-senate-seeing-big-boost-early-voting-ap) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Bryan Times](https://bryantimes.com/news/associated_press/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting/article_8b17c3f4-0d7e-58b5-b7f1-a959bd41f428.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/many-states-that-could-determine-control-of-the-us-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in e - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [KXL](https://kxl.com/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/world/united-states/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows/article_314a797b-935e-53ba-b54f-bb80ab8c8e5a.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/united-states/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows/article_56cdc00f-2e66-5284-bfa6-f091047b2b2e.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/news/world/united-states/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows/article_284d1b7f-d875-5374-94f9-a656427c463a.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/10/21/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-shows) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/elections/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting/article_905b762b-0497-5d2c-9561-3f92a5e30d68.html) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows - [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/many-states-deciding-control-of-the-senate-are-seeing-a-big-boost-in-early-voting-ap-analysis-sho) — Many states deciding control of the Senate are seeing a big boost in early voting, AP analysis shows ## Questions **What is the overall trend in early voting turnout for key Senate states?** Early voting turnout is significantly up in many states that are expected to decide control of the U.S. Senate. For example, Texas has seen a 74% increase compared to 2022, and Kansas has more than doubled its turnout. Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio have also reported increases of over 30%. **How does the national early voting turnout compare to 2022?** Nationally, more than 13 million mail-in and early in-person votes have been cast so far. This is a notable increase compared to the 9 million votes cast at the same point in the 2022 midterm elections. **Are there any states seeing a decrease in early voting?** Yes, the Associated Press analysis indicates that early voting in Iowa is down about 6% from the same period four years ago. This is in contrast to the surge seen in many other key Senate states. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/early-voting-surges-in-key-senate-states. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Early Voting Surges in Key Senate States", https://mediabias.news/politics/early-voting-surges-in-key-senate-states