Early Voting Explained: Everything You Need to Know
By: Amy Agarwal
Interested in casting your ballot on your own schedule? Early voting transforms Election Day from a single high-pressure date into a flexible window, giving millions of Americans extra time and convenience to participate in democracy. Depending on where you live, this process may be referred to locally as early voting, early in-person voting, in-person no-excuse absentee voting, or advance(d) voting.
At present, 48 states (all but Alabama and New Hampshire) and the District of Columbia allow for some form of early voting. Alabama and New Hampshire both currently offer various forms of absentee voting for those unable to vote in-person on Election Day.
Voting options, rules, and requirements vary by state and can change at any time. This FAQ offers general nonpartisan guidance for voters nationwide. Please be sure to verify specifics with your local election office, which you can find by searching US Vote Foundation’s Election Official Directory.
Q: What is early voting?
A: Early voting is a specified period of time before Election Day when registered voters can cast their ballots in person at an official polling location. The exact period varies by state, but may take place in the days or weeks leading up to Election Day. Early voting is designed to make voting more accessible, by giving those eligible additional opportunities to vote.
Q: What are the benefits of voting early, compared to voting on Election Day?
A: Early voting is designed to make voting more accessible. By establishing specific early voting days (in addition to Election Day), voters have more opportunities to reach the polls. For instance, many states offer weekend and evening hours, which can be beneficial for individuals who typically work or attend classes during the weekday. Additionally, by voting early, you can guard against potential urgent and unplanned issues (such as illness, inclement weather, or family or work emergencies), which might make it difficult to vote on Election Day. Early voting also often reduces the time spent waiting in lines—both for early voters and those who choose to vote on Election Day—because the total number of people voting is divided over a period of time rather than on a single day. As an added bonus, once your ballot is processed, many campaign contact lists are updated, which will reduce the volume of political calls, texts, and mail you receive for the remainder of the election season.
Q: Is early voting the same as absentee or mail-in voting?
A: No, early voting and mail-in voting are not the same. Early voting involves voting in person, at an official polling location. Absentee and mail-in voting do not require you to cast your ballot in person; rather, it allows you to receive a physical ballot in the mail, complete it when and where you want, and then return it to the election office—either by mailing it back, placing it in a secure ballot box, or dropping it off at your local elections office or other polling location.
Note: Currently, all states allow for some form of absentee or mail-in voting: some states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington) offer all-mail or universal mail-in voting, whereas most states require you to request an absentee or mail-in ballot. Additionally, some states require voters to meet established eligibility criteria to qualify for a mail-in ballot. Because specific absentee and mail-in voting options, rules, and requirements vary significantly by state and can change quickly, it is important to verify current guidance with official sources, such as local election authorities or nonpartisan voter resources, such as Ballotpedia.
Q: When does early voting start and end?
A: Early voting start and end dates vary significantly across states. Some states offer early voting more than 30 days before Election Day while others do not begin early voting until three days before Election Day. Because early voting dates vary by state and can change from election to election, it is important to check current options with your local election office or a nonpartisan voter resource, such as Vote.org’s early voting calendar, for each election.
Q: Where do I go to vote early?
A: Local election boards typically host early voting at public facilities, such as city halls, community centers, county government buildings, and public libraries and recreation centers. Because early voting locations vary by state and can change from election to election, it is important to check current options with your local election office for each election.
Q: What happens at early voting stations?
A: The process for early voting is similar to the process of voting on Election Day. You visit an official polling station, check in with an official election worker who will confirm you are on the registered list and give you a ballot, and then you complete and submit your ballot—either using a paper ballot or a computerized machine, depending on how your state operates. This also means that voting early gives you direct access to official election workers who can provide the same assistance that you would be offered on Election Day. This can be an added benefit compared to mail-in or absentee voting. For instance, the election workers can answer questions you have about the voting process, replace your ballot if you make a mistake, or assist you with specialized accessible voting equipment.
Q: Do I need a special reason or excuse to vote early?
A: Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia offer no-excuse early voting, allowing any registered voter to cast a ballot before Election Day without providing a reason.
Mississippi allows for early voting with a government-approved excuse. Mississippi voters should refer to the Secretary of State’s Absentee Voting Information page to learn about early voting (listed as “voting absentee in-person”) eligibility requirements and processes (including when and where to absentee in-person vote).
Alabama and New Hampshire do not permit early voting but do allow absentee voting with a government-approved excuse. Visit the Secretary of State sites for Alabama and New Hampshire to learn more about absentee voting in these states.
Q: What identification (ID) do I need to bring with me if I’m early voting?
A: ID requirements for voting vary by state—some require an official photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc.), while others only require a signature or a utility bill with your name and address. Before you head to the voting booth, be sure to confirm ID requirements with your local election office and make sure you have your required documentation. You can also learn more about voter identification laws from nonpartisan voter resources such as Ballotpedia and the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Q: Do I have to be registered already if I’m early voting?
A: Not necessarily. Some states offer same-day voter registration, allowing those eligible to register at the polls on the same day that they are voting. However, some states allow for same-day voter registration during the early voting period but not on Election Day and others allow for same-day voter registration on Election Day but not necessarily during the early voting period. Because same-day voter registration rules vary so drastically, it is important to confirm current options with your local election office for each election. Also, if your state allows for same-day registration, you will need to confirm you have the documentation required for registering as well as for voting before you head to the polls. For states without same-day registration, you’ll need to register before your state’s official registration deadline.
Q: Can I change my vote after I cast an early ballot?
A: Generally, no. Once you submit your ballot, it is considered your official vote, and it cannot be rescinded or changed. Always double-check every selection on your ballot before you submit it. If, however, you make a mistake while you are completing your ballot—before you submit it—you can speak to an election worker about getting a replacement ballot. If you need a replacement ballot, notify an election officer on duty immediately so they can invalidate your incorrect ballot, marking it as “spoiled,” and give you a new clean ballot.
Make Your Voting Plan Today
Voting early is an easy way to avoid Election Day crowds and make sure your school and work commitments don't come between you and the ballot box. If early voting is available in your area, consider taking advantage of the flexibility this election cycle. Visit your local election office’s website and make your plan to make your vote count.
Did you find this information helpful? Share this blog with friends, family members, and others in your community! Also, check out our full library of nonpartisan voting resources, including our Know Your Ballot: Three-Step Guide, our First-Time Voter FAQ, and our In-Person Voting Checklist and Voting Rules and Rights factsheet.
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