Early Voting 2024

Written By FGA
 
 


Voting is one of the most important ways to make our voices heard. Early voting allows you to participate in the democratic process before Election Day—whether you're busy, traveling, or just want to avoid long lines. We’ve compiled early voting information for each state so you can plan ahead and make your vote count.

Why Consider Voting Early?

Early voting offers several benefits, including:

  • Convenience: Avoid the long lines and with some states offering multiple locations, you can vote where it’s easiest for you. 

  • Flexibility: Vote when it works best for you and your schedule! If you are working or cannot find childcare on Election Day, you have more options with Early Voting.

  • Peace of Mind: Voting early ensures your ballot is cast even if unexpected events arise. You can also track your ballot to make sure it was received and counted.

How to Prepare for Early Voting

Here are a few tips to make sure your early voting experience goes smoothly:

  1. Check Your Voter Registration Status: Make sure you're registered at your current address. 

  2. Know Your Voting Location: Early voting sites may differ from your regular polling place. Find out where you can vote in your state. 

  3. Bring the Right ID: Some states require an ID to vote. Check your state's requirements to avoid surprises. 

  4. Plan Ahead: Keep up to date on your state's voting dates and what’s on your ballot so you can show up to vote prepared. 

Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and community to vote early this year by sharing this information with them. Together, we can make a difference!

State-by-State Early Voting Information

Every state has different rules for early voting. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key dates and details to help you navigate the process in your state.

Alabama

  • Early voting? No in-person early voting.

  • Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify, with absentee ballots due by the day before Election Day.

  • Alabama Election Website

Alaska

  • Early voting? Yes, in-person absentee voting starts 10/21/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed to request a mail-in ballot.

  • Alaska Election Website

Arizona

  • Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/09/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Arizona Election Website

Arkansas

  • Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Available, and ballots must be submitted by Election Day.

  • Arkansas Election Website

California

  • Early voting? Yes, early voting begins 10/07/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot.

  • California Election Website

Colorado

  • Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a mail-in ballot.

  • Colorado Election Website

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Florida Election Website

Georgia

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/15/2024.

  • Absentee voting:  No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Georgia Election Website

Hawaii

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a mail-in ballot.

  • Hawaii Election Website

Idaho

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Idaho Election Website

Illinois

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/26/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Illinois Election Website

Indiana

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.

  • Indiana Election Website

Iowa

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Iowa Election Website

Kansas

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • Kansas Election Website

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/06/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Maine Election Website

Maryland

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/24/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • Maryland Election Website

Massachusetts

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/19/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • Massachusetts Election Website

Michigan

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Michigan Election Website

Minnesota

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/20/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Minnesota Election Website

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/07/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Montana Election Website

Nebraska

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/07/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Nebraska Election Website

Nevada

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/19/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot.

  • Nevada Election Website

New Hampshire

New Jersey

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • New Jersey Election Website

New Mexico

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • New Mexico Election Website

New York

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • New York Election Website

North Carolina

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/17/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • North Carolina Election Website

North Dakota

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts around 10/21/2024 but varies by county.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked the day before Election Day.

  • North Dakota Election Website

Ohio

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • Ohio Election Website

Oklahoma

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/30/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Oklahoma Election Website

Oregon

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/31/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a ballot, must be postmarked by Election Day, and received by 7 days after the election.

  • Oregon Election Website

Pennsylvania

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/16/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Pennsylvania Election Website

Rhode Island

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Rhode Island Election Website

South Carolina

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • South Carolina Election Website

South Dakota

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/20/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • South Dakota Election Website

Tennessee

Texas

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024..

  • Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.

  • Texas Election Website

Utah

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a ballot, must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • Utah Election Website

Vermont

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/01/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Vermont Election Website

Virginia

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/20/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by 3 days after Election Day.

  • Virginia Election Website

Washington

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/18/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a ballot, must be postmarked by Election Day.

  • Washington Election Website

West Virginia

Wisconsin

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Wisconsin Election Website

Wyoming

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.

  • Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.

  • Wyoming Election Website

Washington, D.C.

  • Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/28/2024.

  • Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a ballot, must be postmarked by Election Day and received by 10 days after the election.

  • Washington D.C. Election Website

Why Your Vote Matters

In 2020, over 101 million Americans voted early either in person or by mail. Voting early doesn’t just make your life easier—it helps ensure a smooth and accessible Election Day for everyone. Your vote has the power to shape local, state, and national decisions that affect every aspect of life, from healthcare and education to climate change and reproductive rights.

Make a Plan to Vote Early

Now that you have the information, it’s time to make your plan! Whether you’re voting early in person or by mail, it provides a flexible way to participate in our democracy.

FGA
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