US POLITICS
2024 US elections In which states can voters already cast a ballot?
Voters in three states will be able to cast their ballots early this week. All you need to know about who is eligible and how to find the location nearest to you.
Now that all of the scheduled debates between the presidential and vice-presidential candidates have taken place, voters may feel ready to cast their ballots. However, only three states have opened up polling locations for early voting so far.
In Minnesota and Virginia, voters have headed out to cast their ballots, with the numbers reported so far exceeding levels seen in 2020. Though a sign that voters are energized, the COVID-19 pandemic led many voters to cast their ballots by mail, making the year an unreliable election for comparison.
Illinois is the latest state to allow voters to cast their ballots, with the state’s early voting period beginning on Thursday, September 26. The next states to open up for early voting are Indiana, New Mexico, and Ohio, where ballots can be cast in person starting on Tuesday, October 8, followed by Arizona on Wednesday, October 9.
Who can vote early in Illinois?
Any “qualified” voter, meaning someone registered, can vote early in Illinois. If you would like to cast your ballot early, you must identify the polling location that will be open in your town or county. You can locate the location closest to you through the Illinois State Board of Election’s website. For those who have yet to register, the portal can also identify places where you can register.
The state’s voter registration deadline is October 8. However, if missed, one can register in person at a ‘grace period registration site’ through election day.
Do you need to bring an ID to vote in Illinois?
Generally no, if you are not planning to make any changes to your voter registration on election day. There is always a chance that an Election Judge challenges your right to vote, which is rare, but in that case, an ID must be shown. If you do not have one on your person, you will be issued a provisional ballot that will be counted once an ID has been provided.
Additionally, if when registering to vote, you did not provide an Illinois ID/driver’s license number or your Social Security number, then you will be asked to show an ID at the polling place.
Who can vote early in Minnesota?
Those hoping to vote early must request an absentee ballot, which can be done without providing an excuse in Minnesota. Voters can request a ballot online, and the state recommends doing so promptly to ensure that the county election office has time to distribute it. Once you have your ballot, you should identify where in your town or country you can cast your vote early.
All counties will have at least one location that will be open Monday to Friday through Monday, November 4. Typically, the offices will allow votes to be cast between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, but the hours vary by location and should be checked before heading out. Additionally, the state requires that locations be open until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 29, and from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 26, Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3. On Monday, November 4, the day before election day, these locations will be open until 5:00 pm.
For more information on early voting in Minnesota, check out the Secretary of State’s website.
Do you need to bring an ID to vote in Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State, if your voter registration is considered “current and active,” meaning “you were successfully registered at least 21 days before Election Day and you have not moved or changed names since then,” you do not need to bring an ID. However, if it has been more than four years since you last voted, or you plan to register or update your registration when voting, you will be asked to provide identification.
If you need to register or update your registration, or you have not voted in four years or more, you will need to show proof of residence before you vote.
Who can vote early in Virginia?
All registered voters in Virginia can cast their ballots early at general registrar’s offices or, in some cases, at satellite offices, which are up to each county to set up. The Department of Elections maintains an up-to-date list of these secondary locations on its website.
Do you need to bring an ID to vote in Virginia?
Yes. Voters are required to show an accepted ID. However, they can also sign an ID Confirmation Statement, which serves the same purpose.