Early voting periods have officially started in five states, with more states set to begin throughout October. Understanding the details of your state’s rules is important if you want to participate in the voting process. Nearly every state offers various options for residents to vote before Election Day on Nov. 5, but these options differ in terms of start dates, durations, and methods available based on the state. Some states only allow early voting for residents with an approved excuse. The map below provides information on each state’s early voting process, while the following text offers a more detailed breakdown.
Early voting gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, with around 70% of Americans who voted in the 2020 presidential race doing so before Election Day. This trend continued during the 2022 midterms, indicating that early voting may become more common in future elections.
Early voting, also known as in-person early voting or in-person absentee voting, allows individuals to vote before Election Day. Some states have all-mail voting systems, sending ballots to all registered voters. Each state has its own early voting options, with some starting as early as September and others continuing until Election Day.
To find out when early voting starts in your state, refer to the information provided below. Remember that absentee voting by mail is an option for registered voters with approved excuses in all states. Check with your local election office for specific details on early voting in your area.