Tuesday's Gone

This insightful book explores early voting's transformative role in American elections, revealing both its benefits and challenges. Tuesday's Gone emphasizes the need for careful implementation.

In Tuesday's Gone, Elliott Fullmer delves into the transformative impact of early voting on the American electoral landscape. He examines how this shift not only provides voters with more options but also introduces a new set of procedures for election clerks and challenges for candidates and their teams. With over 60% of American voters casting early ballots during the 2020 election, the implications of this change are profound. Fullmer utilizes innovative methods and data to illustrate how early voting can enhance democratic engagement and increase participation among citizens.

The book highlights significant findings from four recent elections, revealing that both early in-person and absentee voting options can notably boost turnout when effectively implemented. However, Tuesday's Gone does not shy away from discussing the complexities that accompany early voting. Fullmer points out that while it encourages greater participation, it can also lead to down-ballot roll-off, exacerbate racial disparities in voting access, and shift the competitive dynamics of presidential nomination contests.

Fullmer argues that these challenges must be acknowledged and addressed to maximize the benefits of early voting. By doing so, we can ensure that this new approach to elections fulfills its potential in strengthening American democracy. Tuesday's Gone serves as both a critical analysis and a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike, encouraging a thoughtful dialogue on the future of voting in the United States.