Final answer:
The statement is referring to early voting, a process allowed in 38 states and the District of Columbia, which has been used by about 9 million people this year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that completes the given statement is early voting. In many U.S. elections, 38 states and the District of Columbia currently allow early voting, which is a process that permits voters to cast their ballots before the official Election Day. This voting method has grown in popularity and accessibility over the years, with millions of Americans taking advantage of it to participate in the democratic process. In the context of the question, it has been indicated that early voting has been completed by approximately 9 million people this year, reflecting its considerable usage.