In recent congressional elections, there is evidence President Trump’s attacks on mail-in voting may have discouraged GOP participation and given Democrats a significant advantage.

Trump has disparaged mail in-voting, claiming it will lead to widespread voter fraud and foreign intervention. Despite opposition from President Trump, mail-in balloting is popular among voters – with support from 59 percent.

Many states have expanded voting through mail-in voting, “no-excuse” absentee voting and early voting in the wake of coronavirus. Currently, 34 states plus the District of Columbia allow voters to request absentee ballots in the weeks prior to the election.

Another 11 states have simplified the process for acquiring an absentee ballot.

In polling within three battleground states Trump won in 2016 – Arizona, Florida, and Texas – there is a left-leaning advantage among people who were planning to vote by mail.

While it’s not atypical for Democrats to have an advantage in voting by mail, the surge in mail-in votes by Democrats largely outpaces that of the GOP.