Early voting in the USA is believed to have been originated in the late 80s. The goal of early voting is often to increase participation and relieve congestion. We can’t predict it will actually relieve congestion. The enthusiasm for Obama is already creating enormous strain on the voting system. This early voting trend shows that Democrats are outnumbering republicans 2 to 1.

The other opportunity to vote at your leisure is vote-by-mail, or postal voting. Introduced in beginning of this century it is apparently very appealing to voters, California expects 40% of the voters to vote in this manner. Both early voting and postal voting are targeted by the Obama  campaign to monetize the enthusiasm for the nominee.

Some attribute this to the Obama effect. But I think this could be a more serious trend. If this trend of diluted voting continues we will not have election days anymore, we have an election deadline. Will it also end ‘exit polls’? I don’t know, but polling has been continuous over the months of the presidential campaigns.

During the presidential campaigns it has often been a mud fight. But with extending the period of voting it reintroduces the opportunity of reflection. And by making voting a household activity the discussion is likely to change as well. I have no idea what the next election will look like, but it will certainly change.