Election season is just around the corner, with only 28 days left until it kicks off. It’s crucial for eligible voters to plan their vote now to ensure their voices are heard on Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In the last two election cycles, the majority of Americans have already cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting begins as early as Sept. 6 in some states, with seven battleground states sending out ballots in the same month. This shifts the focus from a mere countdown to Election Day to the commencement of what can be called “election season.”
States have historically allowed certain groups, like military members or individuals with illnesses, to vote early. However, many states expanded eligibility in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed risks to in-person voting. According to the Fox News Voter Analysis, 71% of voters cast their ballots before Election Day in 2020, with 30% voting early in-person and 41% voting by mail. This trend continued in the midterms, with 57% of voters choosing to vote early.
It’s important to note that early voting is safe and secure, as evidenced by the lack of widespread fraud or corruption revealed in recounts, investigations, and lawsuits following the 2020 election.
There are two primary methods of voting before Election Day. The first is early in-person voting, where voters can cast a regular ballot in-person at a voting center before Election Day. The second is voting by mail, which varies in process and eligibility by state. Some states, like California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, predominantly vote by mail, where registered voters receive and return their ballots by mail.
Most states allow any registered voter to request a mail ballot, which can be returned through various methods depending on the state. In 14 states, voters must provide an excuse to vote by mail, such as illness, age, work hours, or being out of their home county on Election Day.
States differ in the timing of processing and tabulating ballots, with some delaying the release of results by not counting ballots until election night. The first absentee ballots will be sent out in North Carolina on Sept. 6, followed by seven more battleground states in the same month, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada.
As Election Day approaches, it’s crucial for voters to stay informed about early voting dates, processes, and deadlines. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, visit Vote.gov and your state’s elections website.
By planning your vote early, you can ensure that your voice is heard in this upcoming election season. Make a difference and exercise your right to vote!