For many Americans, there is no need to wait until Nov. 5 to cast their ballot in the general election, which will pit former President Donald Trump against current Vice President Kamala Harris. Early voting allows voters to cast their ballot before Election Day in certain states. This option offers flexibility for those with scheduling conflicts or who would prefer to avoid potential lines on Election Day.
Early voting availability varies from state to state, and in most cases registration to vote is key. Below is an explanation of the different types of early voting:
Voting by mail and absentee ballots
Mail-in ballots and absentee ballots allow voters to cast a ballot without going to a polling place on Election Day, but they differ in eligibility and application process. Absentee ballots are typically reserved for voters who are unable to vote in person for specific reasons, such as being out of town, having health issues, or serving in the military. Voters must request an absentee ballot and provide a valid reason for their absence. Once approved, they receive the ballot in the mail, complete it, and return it by mail or in person.
In contrast, mail-in ballots are available to all voters, regardless of the reason for not voting in person. Many states offer mail-in voting to any voter who requests it, without needing to provide a specific reason. Voters must request a mail-in ballot, which is then sent to them by election officials. They complete and return the ballot either by mail or in person. Although some states use these terms interchangeably, the main difference lies in the reason for voting by mail and the application process.
Early voting in person
In-person early voting allows voters to cast their ballots before Election Day at designated polling places. Many states offer this option to voters who are unable to vote on Election Day due to scheduling conflicts, travel, or other reasons. Early voting periods can vary widely from state to state, with some states offering early voting for only a few days and others for several weeks.
Voters can go to the specified polling stations during the early voting period to cast their ballot, which is processed and counted in the same way as those cast on Election Day.
When does early voting start?
North Carolina was set to be the first to send out mail-in ballots, but was delayed due to legal disputes caused by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
September 11: The first state to begin early voting was Alabama, where officials sent mail-in ballots to eligible voters who requested them.
Sept. 19: Wisconsin will begin sending mail-in ballots to voters who requested them.
September 20: Virginia will begin in-person voting, as will Minnesota and Dakota, which will also begin voting by mail.
September 21: Federal deadline for mailing absentee ballots to military and overseas voters. By this date, eleven states are expected to have mailed ballots: Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Wyoming, and those mentioned above. North Carolina may also do so.
September 23: Mississippi will send absentee ballots to voters who have requested them.
September 26: Voting by mail will begin in Michigan.
Sept. 30: Nebraska will send absentee ballots to voters who requested them.
October 7: Georgia will begin sending out mail-in ballots.
October 8: Ohio will begin early voting, which will close on November 3.
October 9: Arizona to begin in-person and mail-in voting.
October 15: In-person early voting begins in Georgia.
October 16: Nevada will send mail-in ballots to registered voters.
October 17: North Carolina to begin in-person early voting.
October 19: Nevada begins in-person early voting.
October 21: Texas to begin in-person early voting.
Oct. 22: Wisconsin will begin in-person early voting. Pennsylvania counties must begin sending mail-in ballots to voters who requested them.
October 26: Michigan to begin in-person early voting.
