Third carrier deploys as 21 million vote early

Nearly 21 million Americans have cast ballots by mail or in person, a figure that rose by approximately 2 million in a single day according to the University of Florida's Election Lab. This surge in early voting occurs as the United States moves a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The deployment marks a shift in military posture ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

A person briefed on U.S. and Israeli war planning told NPR that the two nations are preparing for a possible attack on Iran after the elections conclude. President Trump is expected to weigh military action following the vote to prevent a spike in oil prices before voters go to the polls. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling close coordination between the two governments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is ready for both diplomacy and war. Tehran is demanding formal control of the Strait of Hormuz and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region. Despite these demands, the U.S. and Israel retain the capacity to inflict heavy damage, though Iran shows no sign of making major concessions.

Early voting patterns show Democrats participating at higher rates than Republicans. Unaffiliated voters are also taking part in the process. Saige Miller of NPR cautioned that early figures should not be read as a direct forecast of final results. Republicans tend to turn out on Election Day, while Democrats are more likely to vote early. In key battleground states, early voting is notably higher than during the previous midterm cycle.

A federal judge in California has restricted pre-election field operations by the Department of Homeland Security. The agency said its efforts aim to identify noncitizens who allegedly voted illegally in nine states. The ruling adds a legal layer to the ongoing election cycle as officials manage logistics and security.

In a separate legal matter, a federal magistrate judge ordered President Trump to sit for a deposition in his $10 billion defamation case against the BBC. The judge stated that Trump must comply with court rules or face sanctions. The suit centers on a Panorama broadcast from late October 2024 that allegedly edited his January 6 speech to make it appear he incited a violent siege of Congress.

Trump has called the broadcast false, misleading, and defamatory under Florida law. He previously canceled a scheduled deposition citing matters of national importance and proposed January as an alternative date. The BBC, which apologized for splicing the footage, seeks to understand Trump's state of mind during the speech. More than 200 January 6 defendants have said the speech motivated them, and the network is also seeking details on how Trump has profited since returning to the White House.

Grocery costs remain a concern for voters. Ground beef reached $6.79 per pound last month, an 85% increase over a decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eggs fell to $2.27 per dozen after hitting a record $6.23 in March 2025. Butter averaged $3.96 in September, down 17.3% from a year earlier due to oversupply. Coffee prices are still 44% higher than two years ago despite the removal of tariffs.