Trump Encourages Vote by Mail in Florida, But Democrats are Crushing Republicans in Early Returns
Regardless of what year it might be, eyes are always turned towards Florida on election night. The Sunshine State has been a true swing state for many years and its 29 electoral votes could often make either candidate a winner. 2020 looks to be no different.
Donald Trump knows that if he loses Florida, he has essentially no shot at winning the election. Joe Biden has been devoting significant resources to the state. And so far the Democratic strategy seems to be working as many more Democrats have returned mail in ballots than Republicans.
Florida has a massive vote by mail operation as many of its residents are seniors. So while he may be casting doubt on vote by mail in other states, Trump is aggressively pushing the method in the state of Florida.
Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting, in Florida the election system is Safe and Secure, Tried and True. Florida’s Voting system has been cleaned up (we defeated Democrats attempts at change), so in Florida I encourage all to request a Ballot & Vote by Mail! #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2020
Former Obama spokesperson Kevin Cate broke down the early returns from the state. He began, “Democratic turnout rates are higher than Republicans in every single county in Florida. 67 out of 67.”
Cate continued, “As of today, registered Florida Democrats lead GOP voters by an unprecedented 384,353. At this point in ’16, it was GOP +7,063.”
As of today, registered @FlaDems lead GOP voters by an unprecedented 384,353.
At this point in '16, it was GOP +7,063.
Many are dismissing this landslide level enthusiasm gap as a result of vote method shifting. Drop another like & I'll prove them wrong.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) October 13, 2020
The Democratic strategist closed his thread, “It’s okay to be optimistic & still work like hell to elect Joe Biden & progressives. The only reason there’s any good data to share is because you’re working like hell. Keep it up & Florida will still be close-ish, but it’ll be an early E-Night.”
It's okay to be optimistic & still work like hell to elect @JoeBiden & progressives. The only reason there's any good data to share is because you're working like hell.
Keep it up & Florida will still be close-ish, but it'll be an early E-Night. Thanks for the likes & follows.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) October 13, 2020
As Cate notes, Florida begins counting their votes early. If Biden is to win the state, Trump will likely not be able to falsely claim victory on election night.
You can read his entire tweet thread here.