Early Voting Explained: Taking Advantage of Voting Before Election Day

Election Day does not always happen at a convenient time. Working people and voters with families have other priorities interfering with going to local polling places on Election Day. In many states, voters can vote early, so they don’t have to wait in long lines to vote. Other states offer absentee voting or mail-in ballots for more convenient voting.

Each state has a different process for elections and early in-person voting. Check with your local election office for your early voting options. For more information about your voting rights, talk to a local civil rights attorney. 

What Is Early Voting?

Early voting is a way to cast your ballot before Election Day. Early in-person voting includes opening voting centers before Election Day for in-person voting. Other early voting methods include voting by mail and sending in absentee ballots.

Traditionally, eligible voters had to show up to their polling location to cast ballots in the drop box. Later, state legislatures tried ways to increase voter turnout and participation. This includes early voting and absentee ballots for registered voters who can’t show up in person.

The majority of states offer some form of early voting. Types of early voting include:

• Early voting in-person
• Absentee ballots
• Voting by mail

Where Can You Find Early Voting Locations?

Check with your local election officials for early voting locations for in-person early voting. Depending on the state, early voting locations include:

• County clerk’s office
• Libraries
• Offices of elections supervisors
• Voter service center
• Mobile polling stations
• Other locations designated by state or local election officials

How Early Can You Vote in a General Election?

The early voting period varies by state law. Some states allow in-person early voting for 30 days or more before the election, while others only open early elections about a week before the election. In Florida, early voting starts 10 days before an election and ends after one week.

Check your local election officials to find out when and how early you can vote in person. For example, in Arizona, early voting begins 27 days before and ends the Friday before the election. In Maryland, early voting begins the second Thursday before and ends the Thursday before the election.

When Can You Vote Early by Mail?

Voting by mail is available to voters in many jurisdictions. Some states already conduct elections primarily by mail. Generally, vote-by-mail states open up early voting to all voters without having to opt-in to an absentee ballot. Mail-in voting states for all elections include:

• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Oregon
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

Other states allow mail-in voting for certain elections or on a county-by-county basis. Even in these states, voters can often drop off their ballots in person before Election Day. Drop-off locations include county offices and satellite locations determined by county officials.

Many states offer early voting by mail if voters get an approved absentee ballot. Absentee voting depends on the state. In many states, voters can request an absentee ballot without a reason. Other states limit absentee voting to qualifying voters, including older adults and disabled people.

What Are the Benefits of Early Voting?

There are many benefits of early voting. Many Americans are busy and can’t find time to spend hours standing in line on Election Day. Voters may be out of town on vacation, caring for children, or working multiple jobs. Early voting increases voter participation by giving voters more ways to vote.

Early voting can also make in-person voting easier for others because it reduces voting day congestion. Election administrations with early voting have shorter waiting times and lines, which can also make the day less stressful for poll workers. Early voting can also shorten the processing time for election results. It may also increase voter turnout for women and minorities.

Opponents of early voting argue that it prevents voters from changing their minds. If you vote absentee, it is too late to change your vote if you get new information on Election Day.

Can You Register to Vote Early?

Before you can vote, you have to register. Generally, voter registration is open to eligible U.S. citizens who are over the age of 18. However, you may be able to preregister to vote when you are 16 or 17 if you will be 18 by Election Day. You can register to vote by mail or in person. In many states, you can complete your voter registration online.

You will generally need to prove your identity to vote. This includes providing your driver’s license or Social Security number. You can also select your political party affiliation, but you don’t have to. States have voter registration deadlines, so register well before Election Day. For more information about early voting and protecting your voting rights, speak with a local civil rights attorney.