Staff Reports
Republicans may have cracked the code for early voting, skipping merrily down the path once trodden by Democrats, and it paid off big time this election cycle, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s triumphant return to the Oval Office. As the night wore on, it became clear that Trump had not only resurrected his political fortunes but had also flipped swing states by appealing to low-propensity voters long overlooked by the party.
This election’s early voting strategy pivoted would give even the most seasoned strategists whiplash. For quite some time, many in the Republican camp had turned up their noses at early voting, believing it to be a less-than-sterling practice. Yet, faced with the cold, hard truth of electoral necessity, they decided to adapt. One insightful pollster shared that many Republicans had doubts about the efficacy of early voting but resigned to the fact that if they wanted to win, they had to play the same game as their opposition.
Early voting ground game changed the math for Republicans this election cycle https://t.co/DhkkoECFq7
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) November 7, 2024
Tackling the task of courting low-turnout voters, America First Works (AFW) embarked on a mission to identify and engage those who didn’t vote in the last election—essentially those who would only make it to the polls if someone poured sweet tea and a promise of tacos on the way. With an organized effort that covered 47 battleground counties, their ground game focused on direct conversations rather than handouts, proving that a little chit-chat goes a long way. They were literally pounding pavements, knocking on doors, and engaging voters in meaningful dialogue rather than merely tossing pamphlets around like confetti.
This all began with strategists and conservative leaders meeting as early as April to plot a roadmap for success. They devised a plan that not only emphasized voter registration but also ensured that their messages could cut through the noise of inflation and border chaos. Participants in the revolutionary ground effort quickly discovered that treating these voters as customers—complete with convenient texting programs—helped them resonate with the issues that mattered most in their lives, like skyrocketing grocery prices and safety.
In what can only be described as a voter contact extravaganza, AFW logged a staggering 5.7 million contacts, managing to gain valuable insight into what really mattered to those who had been consistently ignored. The results heard across the eight states focused upon were almost enough to make a Democrat weep: an impressive turnout of new early voters. Georgia, for instance, boasted a jaw-dropping 61% ratio of those who cast their ballots after being personally contacted.
So, as the morning after the election brought with it the sweet aroma of Trump’s victory, the Republican party strutted home with a game plan that would make the Democrats do a double take. The big takeaway? Engaging with voters like they’re valued customers rather than just a name on a list can be a game changer. The GOP now finds itself armed with an entirely new playbook for future elections, proving that when it comes to winning, sometimes imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery.
