As Election Day approaches, Americans are gearing up for what promises to be a historic event. With 79 days left until Nov. 5, the countdown is on. However, the concept of waiting until the last minute to cast a ballot is becoming a thing of the past.
Early voting is set to begin as soon as Sept. 6 for eligible voters, with seven battleground states sending out ballots to some voters that same month. This marks the beginning of what is being called “election season.”
In the last two election cycles, the majority of voters have already cast their ballots before Election Day. In 2020, 71% of voters voted early, with 30% voting early in-person and 41% voting by mail. Even in the midterms, 57% of voters cast their ballots before Election Day.
States have expanded eligibility for early voting, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states now allow any registered voter to request a mail ballot and send it back. Despite concerns about fraud, recounts, investigations, and lawsuits after the 2020 election did not reveal evidence of widespread issues.
There are different ways to vote early, including early in-person voting and voting by mail. Some states, like California and Colorado, primarily vote by mail. Others require an excuse to vote by mail, such as illness or being out of the county on Election Day.
As early voting kicks off in September, it’s important for voters to stay informed about deadlines and processes in their state. The upcoming election promises to be a pivotal moment in American history, and every vote counts.
