Early Voting Begins In Eight Battleground States On Sept. 6

A precinct worker walks outside a voting location during the state's primary election, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Sun City West, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

As Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5 approaches, Americans are gearing up for what is shaping up to be an extended 'election season.' With 87 days left until the big day, early voting is set to kick off as early as Sept. 6 for eligible voters in several states.

Early voting has become increasingly popular in recent election cycles, with a significant portion of voters opting to cast their ballots before Election Day. In 2020, 71% of voters voted early, either in-person or by mail, showcasing a growing trend in how Americans participate in the electoral process.

71% of voters participated in early voting in 2020.

Early voting gaining popularity in recent election cycles.

Certain groups like military members allowed to vote early traditionally.

States have long allowed certain groups, such as military members and individuals with illnesses, to vote early. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many states to expand early voting eligibility in 2020 to mitigate health risks associated with in-person voting.

There are two primary methods of early voting: early in-person voting and voting by mail. Early in-person voting allows voters to cast their ballots at designated voting centers before Election Day, while voting by mail involves receiving a ballot, filling it out, and returning it via mail, drop box, or designated facility.

While some states require voters to provide a valid excuse to vote by mail, others allow any registered voter to request a mail ballot. States also differ in their ballot processing and tabulation procedures, which can impact result release times on election night.

For the 2022 election, North Carolina will kick off early voting on Sept. 6, with seven battleground states following suit the same month. These states include Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada, setting the stage for a robust early voting turnout ahead of Election Day.

It is important for voters to stay informed about early voting dates, eligibility requirements, and deadlines by visiting official sources such as Vote.gov and their state's elections website. By participating in early voting, Americans can exercise their right to vote in a safe and secure manner, contributing to the democratic process.