Early voting has surpassed 2020’s total by 70,000 votes; there is still one day to go. News 9 reported all week about the long lines at polling places across the state.

A News 9 political analyst, Scott Mitchell, pointed out people’s uneasy feelings about the possible outcome and the state of American politics. He said numbers can reveal what people want.

“This is my first time ever voting early,” said Whitney Bone, who voted early this week. “Don’t wait until Tuesday and just say I did my part.”

Mitchell said Oklahoma voters showed up early for a reason. So far, in-person absentee voting in Oklahoma has crushed 2020 numbers, with more than 237,000 people voting early.

“Going earlier is easier,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said people’s concerns about this election are a likely factor for the unexpected lines.

“It’s cruel,” Mitchell said. “Anxiety levels have risen. that is data-driven. That’s something I think social scientists get right.”

Mitchell said the terrorism threat on last month’s OKC Election Day also created fear. He said he expects the lines to be much shorter on Tuesday. What it means for the results, he says, is anyone’s guess.

The urgency to vote illustrates a shared feeling. Mitchell said he believes the numbers reveal what most people have in common.

“Everyone is concerned,” Mitchell said. “They all say the same thing – and that is, ‘I can’t wait for this to be over.’”

Mitchell said more Oklahomans are also feeling more comfortable with the early voting process. He expects this trend to continue in future elections.