Democrats are shifting their strategy ahead of the midterm elections, focusing more on encouraging early and in-person voting. This comes as concerns grow about potential disruptions to mail voting, including challenges related to President Donald Trump’s executive order, which may limit mail-in ballot access. There are also worries about delays in the U.S. Postal Service, which handles mail-in ballots. The legal future of Trump’s order remains unclear, with a Supreme Court decision expected soon. While Democrats have historically supported mail voting as a secure option, they are now urging voters to cast ballots early in person to ensure their votes are counted. Jane Kleeb, a top Democratic official, said the party still believes mail voting is safe but wants voters to send their ballots well before Election Day to avoid any last-minute issues. At the Republican National Convention in Dallas, the party sought to energize Trump’s base, with the former president telling the crowd, “Pretend that I’m on the ballot” and urging attendees to “pledge to the greatest president in the history of the United States” to vote on November 3. Trump also mentioned a potential $5,000 “dividend” for each adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress, though the plan’s feasibility is uncertain. Republican speakers frequently criticized Democrats, often using the term “communists” to describe them. However, Republicans face challenges in uniting their base with independent voters in key swing states, where opinions are more divided. Recent polling by NBC News shows that Trump’s job approval has fallen to 36%, with Democrats leading by 11 points in the race for control of Congress. Concerns over the ongoing war with Iran and rising gas prices have even begun to affect some Republican voters. Vice President JD Vance urged supporters not to “throw the baby out with the bathwater,” warning against letting disagreements on policy lead to extreme actions. Trump also acknowledged that the war with Iran may not end soon and that gas prices may not drop before the midterms. At the convention, Republicans focused heavily on economic issues, mentioning topics like affordability and costs more than 178 times, according to an NBC News analysis. However, the war with Iran was largely absent from the party’s messaging. Meanwhile, inflation continued to rise in August, with consumer prices increasing even before renewed conflict in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher. In several key battleground races, Democratic candidates have taken a new stance, opposing transgender athletes competing in women’s and girls’ sports—a shift from the party’s previous position. This pivot reflects efforts by some Democrats to appeal to voters in conservative-leaning areas, where such issues are often politically sensitive. As the midterms approach, both parties are adjusting their messaging to address voter concerns and secure support in critical states.