With Election Day 2024 approaching tomorrow, many states have concluded their early voting periods. Nevertheless, for those who are eager to participate in the democratic process, not every state has closed the door just yet, offering a glimmer of hope to those wishing to cast their vote before the significant day.
Although nearly every state provides early voting options for residents before the November 5 election, the specifics—including start and end dates, duration, and available voting methods—can differ widely from one state to another. In fact, some states restrict early voting to those with an approved excuse, leaving certain residents without this option. To discover the details of early voting in your state, refer to the map below for a comprehensive overview followed by an in-depth analysis.
Notably, early voting gained significant traction amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020 presidential election. Statistics reveal that approximately 70% of the 154.6 million Americans who voted that year took advantage of early voting—whether through in-person methods or by mail. This trend continued into the 2022 midterm elections, where nearly 50% of voters also opted for early voting, indicating a potential shift toward sustained early voting practices in the future.
As defined by various states, “early voting” encompasses the ability to cast your ballot prior to the designated Election Day. Some states refer to it as in-person early voting, where voters can visit certain polling places and cast their ballots, mirroring the in-person voting experience on Election Day.
Other states utilize the term in-person absentee voting, allowing voters to go to a designated office, request an absentee ballot for any reason, fill it out, and submit it all in one visit. This process may also be termed no-excuse absentee voting, meaning that any registered voter can take advantage of it for any reason they choose. Even states with limited early voting options still offer absentee voting for eligible voters, including those serving in the military or attending educational institutions away from home.
A select few states, along with Washington, DC, conduct elections entirely through an all-mail system. In these areas, every registered voter receives a ballot via mail, which they can complete and return prior to Election Day. Additionally, many of these states offer supplementary early voting options for voters who prefer them. Therefore, it’s recommended to contact your local election office for precise information regarding available options.
To assist voters with finding their early voting information, we have compiled a detailed state-by-state breakdown based on data from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Just a reminder that requesting an absentee ballot via mail is accessible in every state for registered voters with legitimate excuses.
Nov. 1 marked the conclusion of early voting periods in several essential battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada, as well as Idaho, Massachusetts, Texas, and Utah. Just last week, early voting also came to an end in Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, and Tennessee. Over the weekend, more states wrapped up their early voting, encompassing regions such as Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
However, some states are still allowing early voting, with periods extending all the way to Election Day itself. For instance, while early voting has finished in the majority of Florida, residents in Pinellas County, home to nearly a million inhabitants, still have access to early voting options. To ensure you’re up to date on your state’s early voting timelines, consult the complete breakdown provided below.
Alabama: No early voting, only absentee voting with an approved excuse.
Alaska: In-person absentee voting. Began Oct. 21 in most places and lasts until Election Day. Contact your local election supervisor’s office to confirm any potential differences.
Arkansas: In-person early voting began Oct. 21 and lasts until Nov. 4, the day before Election Day.
California: The state has all-mail voting, with additional early voting options. Early period began Oct. 7 and runs until Election Day.
Colorado: All-mail voting, with in-person early voting options. Early period began Oct. 21 and lasts until Nov. 4, the day before Election Day.
Connecticut: The state has in-person early voting. Began Oct. 21 and lasted until Nov. 3, the Sunday before Election Day.
District of Columbia: All-mail voting, with in-person early voting options. Early period began Oct. 28 and lasted until Nov. 3, the Sunday before Election Day.
Illinois: Early in-person voting. Began Sept. 26 and lasts until Nov. 4, the day before Election Day.
Pennsylvania: In-person absentee voting. Ballots could be requested four to six weeks prior to Election Day and can be submitted until Election Day. The exact time varies by area, so contact your local election office to confirm.
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For more information about the election, here’s how you can find out what’s on your ballot online.
**INTERVIEW: Early Voting Insights with Election Expert Sarah Thompson**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. With Election Day approaching tomorrow, what’s the current landscape for early voting across the states?
**Sarah Thompson**: Thank you for having me! As we near Election Day, many states have wrapped up their early voting periods. However, there are a few that are still letting voters cast their ballots early right up until tomorrow. This is great news for those who didn’t get a chance to vote yet!
**Interviewer**: That’s interesting! Can you explain why early voting continues to gain traction in recent elections?
**Sarah Thompson**: Absolutely. Early voting really surged during the 2020 presidential election, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People sought ways to minimize crowding at polling places on Election Day, leading to about 70% of voters utilizing early voting methods, whether in-person or via mail. This trend persisted into the 2022 midterms, with nearly half of voters opting for early voting, indicating a possible shift in how people prefer to cast their votes.
**Interviewer**: It seems like early voting practices can differ quite a bit from state to state. What should voters keep in mind when planning to vote early?
**Sarah Thompson**: That’s right! The early voting landscape is not uniform. States have varying start and end dates, as well as different methods. Some allow in-person early voting, while others have absentee voting options that don’t require an excuse. It’s essential for voters to check their local election offices or trusted resources to understand their options, especially since a few states engage in all-mail voting, where every registered voter receives a ballot by mail.
**Interviewer**: In the lead-up to the election, what have been some of the key states that have wrapped up their early voting?
**Sarah Thompson**: Recently, battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada concluded early voting, alongside others like Texas and Florida. But it’s important to note that some areas within states, like Pinellas County in Florida, still have the opportunity for early voting right until Election Day, which can really make a difference for last-minute voters.
**Interviewer**: For those voters still looking to participate, any final advice?
**Sarah Thompson**: Yes! I encourage voters to act quickly. If you’re in a state that is still offering early voting, don’t hesitate to head out and cast your ballot. If early voting has ended in your state, make sure you know where your polling place is for Election Day, and consider looking into absentee voting options if you still can.
**Interviewer**: Great advice, Sarah. Thank you for your insights, and hope to see high voter turnout this election!
**Sarah Thompson**: Thank you! It’s always exciting to witness civic engagement, and I hope everyone gets out to make their voices heard.
