Election season is in full swing, with absentee voting kicking off in seven additional states: Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont. This brings the total number of states where voting is underway to over a dozen, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Virginia. While the states starting their early voting this Saturday may not be competitive at the presidential level, there are two closely watched House races among them.
### Competitive House Races
In Indiana’s 1st Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan faces a tough challenge from Republican local councilman Randy Niemeyer. Mrvan won his first election comfortably in 2020, but redistricting has made his 2022 win less than 6 points. This northwestern district includes Lake and Porter counties, two of the most competitive in the state. The race is ranked as Lean D on the Fox News Power Rankings.
In New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a Republican, won by just shy of 3 points in 2022 after flipping the district. He now faces teacher and Democrat Sue Altman in a district that includes Bedminster plus Somerset and Union counties. This race is currently rated as Lean R on the Power Rankings.
### How to Vote in Delaware
In Delaware, absentee voting has begun, with ballots available to all voters in the state. Absentee ballots must be received by the Department of Elections Office of the voter’s county by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early in-person voting is available at designated sites in each county from October 25 to November 3. Delaware residents can register to vote via writing, in-person, or through the state government’s online portal. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before the election.
### How to Vote in Indiana
Indiana has started sending out absentee ballots to voters who have applied. To vote absentee by mail, the application must be received 12 days before Election Day by 11:59 p.m. Individuals who intend to cast absentee ballots by mail must have a valid reason, such as disability, expected absence from the county, or work obligations. All senior citizens aged 65 and older qualify for absentee vote-by-mail ballots. In-person absentee voting is available to all for 28 days before the election, ending at noon on the day before Election Day. The voter registration deadline is October 7.
### How to Vote in New Jersey
Mail-in voting begins in New Jersey on September 21, with ballots mailed to voters who have applied with their county clerk. Ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and received by the county Board of Elections within six days after the polls close. Early in-person voting will be available from October 26 to November 3, while the voter registration deadline is October 15.
### How to Vote in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, any registered voter can request an absentee ballot until the deadline of October 21. Absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on the third Monday preceding the election. Early voting is available to all Oklahoma voters from October 30 to November 2, with the voter registration deadline set for October 11.
### How to Vote in Rhode Island
Rhode Island voters who cannot or prefer not to cast their ballot in person on Election Day can vote by mail. Mail-in ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early in-person voting in Rhode Island runs from October 16 to November 4, with a voter registration deadline of 30 days before the election.
### How to Vote in Tennessee
Absentee ballots will be mailed in Tennessee starting on September 21. To vote absentee in Tennessee, voters must have a valid excuse. In-person early voting runs from October 16 to October 31, with a voter registration deadline of October 7.
### How to Vote in Vermont
In Vermont, absentee ballots will be sent to military and overseas voters on September 21 and to all active voters on September 23. Early voters can apply for an early voter absentee ballot by phone, in-person, or in writing. Early voter absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 4. Voter registration in Vermont can be done online, via paper application, or at the local clerk’s office.
As the election season heats up, it’s crucial for voters in these states to understand their options for casting their ballots. Whether voting by mail, early in-person, or on Election Day, every vote counts in shaping the future of our democracy. Make sure to check your state’s specific guidelines and deadlines to ensure your voice is heard in this critical election.
