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More than 43 million ballots cast so far in midterms early voting surge
The University of Florida Election Lab says four to five million early votes are coming in daily, with Minneapolis reporting a non-presidential early voting record.

At a glance
- First reported by BBC: “More than 43 million ballots cast so far in midterms early voting surge”, with reporting from Kahawatungu (BBC copy), NBC News and Yahoo News (BBC copy).
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 3:04 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- BBCMore than 43 million ballots cast so far in midterms early voting surge
- Kahawatungu (BBC copy)More than 43 million ballots cast so far in midterms early voting surge - Kahawatungu October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
- NBC NewsTracking the 2026 Early Vote: Midterm Elections facts used on air
- Yahoo News (BBC copy)More than 43 million ballots cast so far in midterms early voting surge October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOkay, honest question. What happened? Because my phone says forty-three million people already voted, and it's still October.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNBC News's tracker shows forty-three million, nine hundred eighteen thousand ballots cast by mail and in person, with four days to go.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe University of Florida Election Lab says four to five million are coming in every day.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorEvery day? So who's left on Tuesday?

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorPlenty of people.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorStates start cutting off early voting before the election on Tuesday, November third, and the University of Florida's Michael McDonald says Texas has already passed its twenty twenty-two early vote by around one point seven five million.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorDoes it change anything for me?

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIf you haven't voted, yes, you've got four days.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorEarly ballots so far are forty-four percent Democratic and thirty-one point two percent Republican, but nobody knows yet how the rest breaks.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo can Tuesday at least be a casual get-together for the stragglers?
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 30, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months




