Report: Early voting up twice as much in 2016 election than 2012

According to NBC News, early voting is up twice as much for the 2016 presidential election than in the 2012 election at the same point in time. Over 26 million ballots have been cast a week ahead of Election Day. Back on October 30, 2012, roughly 13.5 million voters had cast early ballots nationwide. The showdown between GOP nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton has not been without controversy and voters are very passionate about their respective choices. Both Clinton and Trump have encouraged voters in battleground states to cast ballots early.