Early Voting Grows Among Republicans, and a Lithium Trove in Arkansas
Oct 22, 2024
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Joining the conversation is Abdi Latif Dahir, the East Africa correspondent at the New York Times, known for his insightful coverage of regional affairs. He discusses the surge in early voting among Republicans and its implications for the upcoming election. The conversation also highlights the conflict in Gaza, examining guerrilla tactics and their challenges. Additionally, Dahir explores the newly discovered vast lithium reserves in Arkansas and their potential to transform the energy sector.
The rise in early voting among Republicans signals a shift in voter engagement strategies, with over 15 million ballots cast ahead of Election Day.
Arkansas's newly discovered lithium reserves could substantially meet domestic demands for electric vehicle batteries, altering reliance on foreign imports.
Deep dives
Record Early Voting Trends
The surge in early voting across the United States is notable, with over 15 million citizens having cast their votes weeks ahead of Election Day. States like Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina are experiencing unprecedented turnout, indicative of a sustained shift towards early voting that originated during the pandemic. While there is no definitive analysis of partisan advantages yet, a key trend shows a growing number of Republicans opting for early voting, increasing their share of mail-in ballots compared to the previous election. This change is significant as both major campaigns are actively promoting early voting, with strategic implications for voter engagement and targeting efforts ahead of the election.
Lithium Discovery in Arkansas
A major discovery of lithium reserves has been announced in Arkansas, indicating that vast amounts of this vital material for electric vehicle batteries may be located beneath the state. The lithium is found in brine reservoirs, which, if fully tapped, could potentially satisfy the global demand for lithium that is currently dominated by imports from countries like Australia. With the growing emphasis on domestic sources to support the energy industry, new technologies are being researched for efficient extraction while minimizing environmental impacts. ExxonMobil has already begun exploratory drilling in the area, with aspirations to eventually produce enough lithium to power one million electric vehicles by the year 2030.
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