Early Voting 2024
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:
Check Your Voter Registration Status: Make sure you're registered at your current address.
Know Your Voting Location: Early voting sites may differ from your regular polling place. Find out where you can vote in your state.
Bring the Right ID: Some states require an ID to vote. Check your state's requirements to avoid surprises.
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.
Alaska
Early voting? Yes, in-person absentee voting starts 10/21/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed to request a mail-in ballot.
Arizona
Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/09/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Arkansas
Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.
Absentee voting: Available, and ballots must be submitted by Election Day.
California
Early voting? Yes, early voting begins 10/07/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot.
Colorado
Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.
Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a mail-in ballot.
Connecticut
Early voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Delaware
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/25/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Florida
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Georgia
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/15/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Hawaii
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.
Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a mail-in ballot.
Idaho
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Illinois
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/26/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Indiana
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Iowa
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Kansas
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
Kentucky
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/31/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Louisiana
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/18/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Maine
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/06/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Maryland
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/24/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
Massachusetts
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/19/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
Michigan
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Minnesota
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/20/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Mississippi
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/23/2024..
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Missouri
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Montana
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/07/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Nebraska
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/07/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Nevada
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/19/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot.
New Hampshire
Early Voting? No in-person early voting.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
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 Mexico
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
New York
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/26/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
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 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.
Ohio
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
Oklahoma
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/30/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
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.
Pennsylvania
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/16/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Rhode Island
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
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 Dakota
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 09/20/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Tennessee
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/16/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Texas
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/21/2024..
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Utah
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.
Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a ballot, must be postmarked by Election Day.
Vermont
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/01/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
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.
Washington
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/18/2024.
Absentee voting: Every registered voter receives a ballot, must be postmarked by Election Day.
West Virginia
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/23/2024.
Absentee voting: Available for those who qualify.
Wisconsin
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/22/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
Wyoming
Early Voting? Yes, early voting starts 10/08/2024.
Absentee voting: No excuse needed; mail ballots must be received by Election Day.
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.
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.