The US election has caught the attention of many, and with the elections coming soon, voters have now been informed that early voting will begin on Thursday, October 17. The voting will commence at 8:00 am and end on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 3:00 pm.
The election, which pits Republican candidate Donald Trump against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5. Vice President Kamala Harris came into the picture after current President Joe Biden chose not to pursue re-election.
How does early in-person voting work?
Early in-person voting allows citizens to vote days before the date of the elections, which have been scheduled for November 5. This will give residents time to vote for their choice of candidate even before the official date.
As of July 2024, 47 states have offered their residents early in-person voting. It is important to note that not all states have a system that allows for early in-person voting. Mississippi, Alabama, and New Hampshire residents do not allow early in-person voting. In addition, the state of New Hampshire does not offer in-person or no-excuse absentee voting.
When can residents start voting?
It is also important to note that the period of early in-person voting also varies from state to state.
The states of Virginia, Vermont, and Wyoming all offer voters the chance to vote as early as 45 days before the scheduled election date.
South Dakota and Minnesota (which allow for in-person absentee voting) allow for voting 46 days before the scheduled election date.
Also, the states of Iowa, Kansas, Rhode Island, and Tennessee offer their residents the power to cast their votes in person 20 days earlier.
The states of Alaska, Connecticut, Arkansas, Colorado, and North Dakota also offer their residents the chance to vote at least 15 days before the election.
Other states, such as Washington, Utah, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Nevada have different timelines for early in-person voting, with fewer than 20 days in these states.
The average is set at 20 days.
What are the requirements for voting?
Anyone can vote in the US on the day of the election or before (early in-person voting) if they meet the following criteria:
- A citizen of the United States of America.
- The individual (a citizen) meets their state’s residency requirements.
- Must be 18 years and older on or before election day.
- Have registered to vote according to their state’s registration deadline.
Also, not everyone can vote in the upcoming US elections due to the following reasons:
- They are non-citizens of the United States of America.
- Anyone convicted of a felony or serving time for a different crime.
- Some people who have mental illnesses are not allowed to vote.
With just under 100 days left until election day, it is left to see who Americans choose as their leader.
