Early voting for the November 5, 2024 presidential election is already underway across the United States. With over 46 million early votes already cast nationally, you need to understand your voting options.
From ensuring your voice is heard to adapting to any new state-specific regulations, eligible Americans should know how they can participate in the upcoming election. That's why in this article, we’ll walk through early voting in 2024. Let's help you make an informed decision on how to cast your vote.
Early Voting 2024: What It Is and Why It Matters
US citizens getting ready to vote | Pexels
Early voting allows voters to cast their ballots at designated locations ahead of November 5, 2024, the official Election Day. Many states provide a window for early voting. This window can range from a few days to several weeks before the election. Currently, 36 states plus Washington, D.C. allow all voters to cast ballots by mail. Meanwhile, eight states and D.C. automatically send ballots to all registered voters.
This option helps ease crowding at polling stations and offer convenience. It makes sure that all voices are heard, even if Election Day conflicts with personal or work commitments. As voter accessibility becomes a focal point in U.S. election discussions, early voting 2024 is expected to assist in boosting participation rates.
You can vote early in every state across the country, and most people do this by mail-in voting. About eight states make it really easy: they automatically send ballots in the mail to everyone who's registered to vote. In 14 other states, you'll need to explain why you can't vote on Election Day before they'll let you vote early.
If you prefer to vote in person, most states have places where you can do that before Election Day too. In fact, only three states don't give you this in-person early voting option at all.
According to recent data, the partisan divide in early voting continues to change. Of the current early votes cast:
- 42% are from registered Democrats
- 40% are from registered Republicans
- 18% are from other affiliations
After considering its advantages, have it in mind that 14 states still require specific excuses for early or mail-in voting. These include:
- Work commitments during polling hours
- Volunteering at a polling place
- Caring for a sick relative
- Physical disability
- Travel plans on Election Day
Mail-In Ballots as a Form of Early Voting
A US voter displaying an 'I Voted By Mail' sticker | Yay Images
Voting by mail is a reliable alternative to in-person early voting. Mail-in ballots were originally developed for absentee voters unable to make it to polling places on Election Day. However, they are now accessible to a broader range of voters in many states. In 2024, election officials expect a significant number of Americans to use mail-in ballots since they offer the flexibility to vote from home, avoid long lines, and accommodate personal or professional obligations.
Voting by mail particularly helps seniors, individuals with disabilities, and voters in rural areas where travel to polling locations may be challenging. Many states, including California, Colorado, and Utah, even conduct all-mail elections where every registered voter receives a ballot by mail automatically.
Remember, it's important to understand your state's specific rules regarding mail-in voting. In 2024, some states still require voters to meet certain criteria to request a mail-in ballot, such as illness, disability, or being away from one's primary residence on Election Day. Other states, including those with a "no-excuse" policy, allow any eligible voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a specific reason.
To ensure that your mail-in ballot counts, carefully follow all instructions on the ballot, including filling out all sections, signing where required, and returning the ballot by the stated deadline. Some states require the ballot to be postmarked by Election Day, while others may have specific cut-off dates for ballots to be received.
Key Changes and Deadlines for Mail-in Voting
For those planning to vote by mail, here are a couple of changes and deadlines you should note ahead of the 2024 election:
1. Photo ID Requirements
- Many states now require a photocopy of an eligible photo ID in the ballot envelope
- Some jurisdictions offer Photo ID Exception forms for those unable to provide copies
- States like North Carolina require copies to be placed in a clear sleeve on the front of the envelope
2. Return Deadlines
- Most states require ballots to be received by Election Day (November 5)
- Many states have eliminated grace periods for late-arriving ballots
- Election officials recommend mailing ballots at least one week before Election Day
- Correct postage ($1.77 or three Forever stamps) is essential
3. Witness Requirements
- Several states require witness signatures or notarization
- Requirements vary by state (For example, North Carolina requires two witnesses or a notary)
- Military and overseas voters have special provisions through the Federal Voting Assistance Program
Looking Ahead
An official ballot drop box for mail voting | Pexels
Taking a glance at early voting trends, we can say that mail-in ballot has pulled in strong participation in 2024. Out of over 60 million requested early ballots, recent data shows registered Democrats account for 45% of requests, Republicans for 29%, and other affiliations for 26%.
Comparatively, the patterns may, however, differ from 2020's pandemic-influenced election. Back in 2020, nearly two-thirds of all voters cast their ballots before Election Day, with about half voting by mail and a quarter voting early in person. Indeed, some pandemic-era voting accommodations have been scaled back.
However, both sides are encouraging their supporters to vote early this year. Kamala Harris and the Democrats are making a big push to get their voters to cast ballots well before Election Day. And even though Trump has criticized early voting in the past, he and the Republican Party are now also urging their supporters to vote early rather than waiting until Election Day.
In summary, whether you're choosing mail-in ballots or early in-person voting in 2024 , you need to understand your state's specific requirements and deadlines. Election officials point out that early voting helps make sure all eligible voters can take part in the democratic process. Things like work schedules, physical limitations, and other potential Election Day constraints don’t have to be a problem.
If you need the most current information about election voting options in your area, don't hesitate to contact your local election office or visit your state's election website. It's important to keep in mind that requirements and deadlines vary significantly by state. With that in mind, we encourage you to verify your local rules for a successful participation in this historic election.