‘Checkmate’ in 2 swing states

Mail or in-person voting in 37 states, Clinton leads in Florida, North Carolina

Washington, Oct. 27: The millions of votes that have been cast already in the US presidential elections point to an advantage for Hillary Clinton in critical battleground states as well as signs of strength in traditionally Republican territory.

The strong early-voting turnout by those likely to support Ms Clinton — registered Democrats, minorities, and young people among others — could leave Donald Trump with virtually no path to the 270 electoral votes needed for victory.

Ms Clinton is showing strength in Florida and North Carolina, both must-win states for Mr Trump, as well as the battleground states of Nevada, Colorado and Arizona. There are even favourable signs for Clinton in Republicanleaning Utah and Texas.

“It’s going to be a very tall order for Mr Trump to win,” said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida professor who specialises in election turnout. Other analysts also point to a strong finish for Ms Clinton based on the early vote.

Early voting, via mail or in-person, is underway in 37 states. More than 12.5 million votes have been cast, far higher than the rate in 2012, according to Associated Press data. In all, more than 46 million people — or as much as 40 per cent of the electorate — are expected to vote before election day on November 8.

Ms Clinton’s campaign describes both North Carolina and Florida as “checkmate” states. Mr Trump probably can’t win if he loses either.