US ELECTION 2024
Is there any other way to vote if I can’t go to the voting place on Election Day?
In the United States, voters who cannot make it to their polling place on Election Day have several alternative voting methods available to them.
If you are unable to vote in person on election day don’t worry, most states have measures in place that allow to vote early if you know you won’t be able to attend.
Be warned that each state will have different rules and elgigility around voting methods. Make sure to check with your local government what you can do and when the deadlines are, lest you miss out on voting this November.
Early in-person voting
Many states offer early in-person voting, allowing citizens to cast their ballots before Election Day at designated locations. This option has seen a steady increase in popularity, particularly in the Southern states where almost half of voters chose to vote early in-person during the 2020 election.
Early voting periods vary by state but typically begin a few weeks before Election Day.
Vote-by-mail
Vote-by-mail, also known as absentee voting, has become a widely adopted alternative voting method across the country. In 2020, there was a significant spike in mail voting due to the pandemic, with some regions seeing up to a sevenfold increase in usage. To vote by mail:
- Request an absentee ballot from your local election office
- Complete the ballot at home
- Return it by mail or drop it off at a designated location
Some states have implemented “no-excuse” absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a specific reason.
Special provisions for UOCAVA voters
For military personnel and overseas citizens covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), some states provide special ranked choice ballots. This allows these voters to participate in potential runoff elections without the need for additional mailings.