2024 US Elections Early Voting: With the presidential and vice-presidential debates concluded, voters may feel ready to cast their ballots. However, early voting has started in only three states.
Virginia and Minnesota have seen high turnout, exceeding 2020 numbers, indicating strong voter motivation. Illinois opened for early voting on September 26, while Arizona will start on October 9. New Mexico, Ohio, and Indiana will begin early voting on October 8.
States that offer early voting and mail-in ballots to all voters
According to the Center for Election Innovation and Research, 46 states and the District of Columbia provide early voting options for all voters. Below are the states that allow both early in-person voting and mail voting for everyone.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Colorado: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- D.C.: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- MInnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Utah: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Vermont: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Virginia
- Washington: All active, registered voters automatically receive ballot.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
2024 US elections Online Voting Registration Deadlines: Check Important Dates for Every State
States that offer early voting for all but require an eligible reason for mail-in ballots
The following states offer early in-person voting but require an eligible reason to vote by mail.
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
States where no early voting option is available to all voters, and an eligible reason to vote by mail is needed
Four states do not offer early voting and require an eligible reason to vote by mail, which means not everyone in these states has an option to vote on any day but Election Day.
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- West Virginia
To whom is early voting in Illinois open?
Anyone who is registered and deemed “qualified” to vote in Illinois may cast an early ballot. You must determine which polling place in your town or county will be open if you would like to cast your vote early. The Illinois State Board of Elections website allows you to find the location that is closest to you. The portal can also find locations where you can register if you haven’t already.
October 8 was the deadline for registering to vote in the state. If you missed it, you still have until election day to register in person at a “grace period registration site.”
Does voting in Illinois require identification?
Generally speaking, no, if you don’t intend to modify your voter registration on election day. Although it is uncommon, there is always a chance that an Election Judge will contest your right to vote; in that case, identification must be presented. In the event that you do not have one with you, you will receive a provisional ballot, which will be counted after identification is presented.
Furthermore, you will be required to present identification at the polling location if, during the voter registration process, you failed to provide your Social Security number or an Illinois ID or driver’s license number.
Who in Maine is eligible to vote early?
Any Maine voter who is registered to vote may take part in early voting by mailing or personally submitting an absentee ballot. Same-day registration is permitted by the state, so unregistered voters can register and cast ballots on the same day, even during early voting periods.
Does Maine require identification to cast a ballot?
If you are already registered to vote, you do not need to present any form of identification. For those registering to vote on election day or for the first time, there are special requirements.
When casting a ballot, you do not need to present identification if you have previously registered to vote. You might be required to present a valid form of identification if this is your first time voting and you did not provide identification when you registered.
Trump Declines Second Debate with Harris, Calls Timing ‘Too Late’ as Voting Begins
On election day, you must present identification and proof of residency in order to register to vote.
Who in Minnesota is eligible to vote early?
People in Minnesota who want to vote early must ask for an absentee ballot. They don’t have to give a reason for doing this. Voters are told to make their requests online as early as possible so that the county election office has time to send out the ballots. Once you have your ballot, find out where in your area you can vote early.
At least one place to vote will be open Monday through Friday in every county until Monday, November 4. Voting hours are usually from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but they can be different in different places, so check before you go. The polls will be open until 7 pm on Tuesday, October 29. They will also be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3. The polls will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 4, the day before the election.
Visit the Secretary of State’s website to learn more about early voting in Minnesota.
Does voting in Minnesota require presenting identification?
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State, identification is not required if your voter registration is classified as “current and active,” meaning you registered successfully at least 21 days before Election Day and haven’t changed your address or name since. However, if it’s been more than four years since your last vote, or if you’re registering or updating your registration, you’ll need to show identification.
If you need to register, update your registration, or haven’t voted in four years, you’ll need to provide proof of residency before you can cast your ballot.
Japan’s New Prime Minister Announces Snap Election
Who in Virginia may cast an early ballot?
In Virginia, all registered voters have the option to cast their ballots ahead of time at general registrar’s offices or, in certain situations, satellite offices, the establishment of which is up to each county. On its website, the Department of Elections keeps a current list of these alternate sites.
Does voting in Virginia require identification?
Indeed. Voters must present a valid form of identification. Still, they have the option to sign an ID Confirmation Statement, which accomplishes the same thing.
