Early in-person voting for the 2024 US elections started on September 21 in several states, including Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, ahead of the official Election Day on November 5. More states are expected to commence the process in October, according to a Bloomberg report.
This election will primarily see a contest between Democratic nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. Additionally, other candidates, such as Jill Stein from the Green Party, will also be on the ballot.
What is Early In-Person Voting?
As outlined by the US General Services Administration, early voting allows citizens to cast their vote in person before Election Day, providing flexibility for those who may find it difficult to vote on the official day. Procedures vary by state, with options like early voting in person, by mail, or a combination of both.
Early Voting in the US
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), as of August 2024, 47 out of 52 states, along with the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, allow early in-person voting. The remaining three—Alabama, New Hampshire, and Mississippi—do not. Each state has its own requirements for early voting, which voters can check on their respective state election office websites.
Requirements for Early Voting
In most states, no specific reason is needed to vote early, although some states may require voters to request an absentee ballot. The US government’s election information site advises checking state-specific details if absentee voting information isn’t listed under early voting.
Voters Share Their Experiences
On the ground, early voters expressed their thoughts and motivations. Tom Kilkenny (56), from Arlington, Virginia, said he felt proud to be part of the process, while his wife, Michelle Kilkenny (55), emphasized the importance of setting a good example by voting early.
Nick Vucic (38) was seen voting with his wife and three daughters, sharing that he wanted to engage his children in the electoral process as soon as possible. Ann Spiker (71) expressed concerns about the potential outcome of the election and emphasized the importance of voting early to make a difference.
Trump supporters were also present at polling stations. Arthur Stewart (58) cast his vote for Trump, citing his confidence in Trump’s past economic record and his focus on border security. He also mentioned his desire to vote early in case of any concerns about electoral fraud, referring to Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
