Georgia and Utah have officially begun their early voting process for the upcoming election, joining the majority of states across the country. With these two states now in the mix, a total of 46 states and Washington, D.C., have started some form of early voting. This provides voters with the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day and avoid potential long lines and wait times.
In Georgia, which is considered one of the most competitive states in this election cycle, early voting began on October 15 and will continue through November 1. The state offers both in-person early voting as well as mail-in voting. For those choosing to vote by mail, absentee voting started on Tuesday, and residents do not need to provide a specific reason to receive a ballot. Ballot requests must be submitted by October 25, and the completed ballot must be received by state officials by November 5.
The Peach State has historically leaned Republican, with only two exceptions in the past four decades – Bill Clinton’s win in 1992 and Joe Biden’s narrow victory in 2020. With 16 electoral votes up for grabs, Georgia is a crucial state for both parties. Democrats tend to perform well in metro Atlanta, where there is a higher concentration of Black and college-educated voters. However, Republicans see strong support in rural areas across the state.
On the other hand, Utah has also kicked off its early voting period, with in-person voting options available in addition to voting by mail. Residents in Utah do not need a specific reason to request a mail-in ballot, and state officials will begin sending out ballots to eligible voters from October 15 through October 29. These ballots must be postmarked by November 4 if sent by mail or delivered in person by November 5.
Utah residents have the opportunity to register to vote online or by mail until October 25. In-person registration will also be available during early voting from October 22 through November 1, as well as on Election Day itself. It is important for eligible voters to ensure they are registered and have a plan to participate in the democratic process.
With early voting becoming increasingly popular across the country, it provides voters with more flexibility and convenience in casting their ballots. Both Georgia and Utah are making efforts to ensure that residents have access to safe and secure voting options. As the election draws near, it is essential for voters to stay informed about the registration deadlines, early voting dates, and voting procedures in their respective states to make their voices heard in this crucial election.
