Harris, Trump campaigns looking at turnout as they head into Election Day

WASHINGTON (TNND) — It’s not just how many, but which voting groups turn out to vote that both campaigns are keeping an eye out for on Election Day.

More than 75 million people had already voted heading into Tuesday. It's less than in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic changed how people cast ballots, but the numbers are significantly higher than in non-pandemic elections. Part of it could be an about-face from former President Donald Trump.

“So the polls are open for early voting in Georgia from now until November 1, you gotta get out there and vote but most importantly just vote whatever way you want to do it," Trump told supporters at a rally in Georgia last week.

The former president had repeatedly told supporters not to trust early voting and mail-in ballots. Republicans now are outpacing Democrats in some key swing states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona.

Georgia had already amassed around 80% of the state's entire 2020 vote total through early voting this year. North Carolina also smashed early voting records despite still dealing with Hurricane Helene's storm fallout.

The campaigns are trying to be optimistic about certain demographics breaking their way. Vice President Kamala Harris is dominating Trump when it comes to women voters, with Trump equally as dominant with male voters according to some surveys. Both candidates are hoping to shore up Latino votes, as well.

A Trump-supporting comedian’s comments about Puerto Rico and garbage led to an all-out effort from Harris to try and capitalize. She released multiple ads showing support for the Puerto Rican community. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign tried to distance him from the comments as the former president tries to continue making gains with the voting group.

With thin margins, it's almost impossible for pollsters to accurately say who's in the lead.

“In a very close race, small changes in turnout could have a huge impact," said RMG Research President Scott Rasmussen.

Both campaigns will be watching turnout very closely come election night.