The 2024 election season is officially in full swing, with early voting beginning in seven states on Friday. Among these, Minnesota and Virginia stand out as particularly competitive, adding intrigue to the upcoming election.
Minnesota, a state that has consistently voted Democrat since 1972, presents a unique mix of political leanings. While leaning blue overall, it boasts a significant population of White working-class voters and deep red rural pockets. This mix has consistently kept the outcome within competitive margins in every election cycle. Biden won by a margin of roughly 7 points in 2020, but the president’s weaknesses have made this state more volatile in the middle of the year, as the Trump campaign has opened more field offices there. However, with Kamala Harris energizing Democrats and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joining her as her running mate, the state likely remains in Democratic hands.
Virginia, with its densely populated blue areas in the northeast near Washington D.C. and its ruby red southwest, offers an interesting contrast. Battlegrounds are expected to emerge in areas like Virginia Beach and Chesterfield. Biden secured a victory in the Old Dominion by a little over 10 points in the last election, making it a difficult state for Republicans to flip.
The article also highlights key down-ballot races in these early voting states, with three particularly competitive contests:
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Minnesota’s 2nd District:
Democratic Representative Angie Craig, who has held the Twin Cities district since 2019, faces off against Joe Teirab, a Marine and former federal prosecutor. The inclusion of rural areas in southwest Minnesota adds a layer of competitiveness to this race. The race is currently ranked Lean D on the Fox News Power Rankings.*
Virginia’s 2nd District:
This district witnessed a Republican flip in 2022 and remains a closely watched race. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans faces Missy Cotter Smasal, a US Navy veteran and small business owner, in this military-heavy district encompassing Virginia Beach. This race is currently rated Lean R on the Power Rankings.*
Virginia’s 7th District:
This district, located in the north-central region of the state, remained in Democratic hands in 2022 thanks to Abigail Spanberger’s strong brand. However, she is vacating the seat to run for governor, leading to a face-off between two Army veterans: Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson. This race is currently ranked Lean D on the Power Rankings.The article also provides a detailed guide to registration and early voting procedures for each of the seven states involved, including information on deadlines, voting by mail, early in-person voting, and voter registration.
The article concludes by highlighting that by the end of September, 26 states and Washington, D.C. are anticipated to have begun some form of early voting, indicating a growing trend towards early participation in the 2024 election.
