Kari Lake, the Republican Senate nominee in Arizona, has recently embraced early voting despite previously condemning the practice. She has shifted her stance and is now encouraging voters to participate in the early voting process, citing the need to “bank the vote” to ensure their voices are heard. Lake, who has been critical of election administration in Arizona and contested a previous gubernatorial loss in court, is now actively promoting early voting as part of the Arizona GOP’s efforts to encourage election skeptics to participate in the electoral process.
Lake’s change of heart towards early voting is evident in her decision to cast her own vote early last week, as well as integrating early voting messaging into her campaign activities. She has turned her “#MakeArizonaGrandAgain Bus Tour into an Early Voting Bus Tour” and is urging voters to take advantage of the opportunity to vote early due to the length of the ballot in Arizona. Despite her previous beliefs about the sanctity of Election Day as stipulated in the Constitution, Lake now recognizes the importance of early voting in increasing voter turnout and participation.
In the face of public polling data showing her trailing her opponent, Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego, Lake remains confident in her campaign’s strength and alignment with former President Donald Trump. Despite being behind in the polls, she believes that her campaign is doing well and rejects the notion of a Trump-Gallego vote shift. Lake continues to express strong support for Trump and insists that her campaign is in a solid position going into the election, despite the media’s portrayal of her trailing behind Gallego.
Lake and Gallego recently participated in a debate where Lake considered it a decisive victory for her. However, her opponent criticized her for spreading dangerous lies to gain power. Lake expressed disappointment in the debate’s duration and content, wishing there had been more time to discuss important issues such as the economy and foreign policy. Both candidates were questioned about Trump’s expiring tax cuts, with Lake supporting their continuation and Gallego advocating for changes to benefit the middle class and add a child tax credit. Lake believes the economy is struggling, and the country is headed in the wrong direction despite efforts to convince otherwise.
Despite trailing in the polls, Lake’s Senate race against Gallego remains highly competitive, with visits from influential figures such as Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris to Arizona. The candidates are engaged in heated debates and discussions, with contrasting views on key issues such as the economy and immigration. Lake remains hopeful about her chances, emphasizing her alignment with Trump and her campaign’s momentum despite the media’s portrayal of the race. As the election approaches, both candidates continue to make their case to voters and vie for their support in what promises to be a closely watched and closely contested race in Arizona.
