Skip the Lines: Early Voting is Open Nationwide

It’s never been easier to vote on your terms and avoid the election day rush. Here’s how to cast your ballot early, no matter which state you call home.

As the United States prepares for what will undoubtedly be a nail-biting November 5th election day, many voters are already making their voices known through early voting, a powerful and convenient tool of democracy. Whether casting ballots in person or by mail, early voting offers much-needed accessibility in our new normal of unique work and living environments––allowing more people to participate in this critical election.

Every vote counts, and by voting early, you too can avoid long lines, last-minute rushes, and even technical difficulties, enduring your say in the decisions that will impact the nation and your community for years to come. Here’s your state-by-state guide on how to cast your vote early.

1. Alabama

Alabama doesn’t offer early voting before Election Day per se, but voters may be eligible to use an absentee ballot. The last day to register for an absentee ballot in Alabama is October 29th, so don’t wait to register absentee if you’re anticipating being busy on Nov. 5th. 

If you’re voting absentee, make sure you return your ballot in person by close of business on Nov. 4th or received by mail before Nov. 5th by 12:00 PM. After you’ve cast your ballot either by mail or in person at a local election office, don’t forget that you can track the status of your vote.

2. Alaska

Alaska offers “No Excuse” early voting either in person or by requesting a ballot by mail––but don’t forget that you need an approved form of ID like a driver’s license, passport, or hunting license to be eligible to vote. Early voting started on Oct. 21st in designated locations throughout Alaska and continues through Nov. 4th. 

If you plan to vote with a mail-in ballot, you must register by Oct. 26th, and your deadline to return the ballot if postmarked or received by Nov. 5th. If you plan to drop it off instead, make sure to do so by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. You can use Alaska’s Voter Information Tool to track the status of both your application and ballot.

3. Arizona

Registered voters in Arizona can join the Active Early Voting List (AEVL), which automatically sends a ballot by mail for all eligible elections, or they can request a one-time ballot by mail. Arizona also offers in-person early voting on a county-by-county basis between Oct. 9th and Nov. 1st. Arizona voters must show an approved form of ID to vote in person. 

If you plan on voting with a ballot by mail, you must return it in person or received by mail by 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th. Finally, track the status of your ballot using Arizona’s Voter Information Portal to ensure it was counted.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas offers early voting in person between Oct. 2st and Nov. 4th at designated locations. You must bring an acceptable form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you plan to vote by mail, however, you must request your ballot by Oct. 29th and return it in person by close of business Nov. 1st or received by mail no later than Nov. 5th by 7:30 PM. The Arkansas Secretary of State offers a service not only to identify polling stations but also to track your ballot once you’ve voted.

5. California

All Californians receive a ballot by mail, which can be mailed back postmarked by Election Day or dropped off in a designated drop box before or on Nov. 5th. 

Suppose you’d prefer to vote in person. In that case, California offers early voting locations, which may be different from day-of locations, and also offers “Same Day” voter registration if you missed the deadline. Don’t forget to track the status of your ballot using California’s Ballottrax service.

6. Colorado

Like California, Colorado also mails ballots to every voter but specifically if they registered eight days prior to Nov. 5th. If you plan to use this ballot by mail, make sure to return it in person or received by mail by Nov. 5th at 7:00 PM. If you want to vote in person, you have to wait until Election Day––but don’t forget to bring an acceptable form of ID.

7. Connecticut

In Connecticut, you can vote during an early voting period or on Election Day. Between Oct. 21st and Nov. 3rd, voters can take advantage of early, in-person voting, but note that you may be asked to show ID. 

If you plan to vote absentee, you can use a ballot by mail, which must be returned in person at a drop box location by Nov. 4th or received in mail by Nov. 5th at 8:00 PM. Connecticut’s Office of the Secretary of State has also compiled important voter information in case of problems on Election Day.

8. Delaware

Early in-person voting in Delaware started on Oct. 25th and will continue through Nov. 3rd. But, some people are eligible for absentee ballots by mail. If you are, you must make sure to turn your ballot in in person or received by mail by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. 

It’s important to remember that Delaware voters must show ID to confirm residency, and there are several ways to prove your identity––from a Delaware driver's license to a signed credit card with photo and more.

9. Florida

Any Florida voter can request a ballot by mail or vote early in person. Dates and times for voting early may vary based on your location, but Florida’s Division of Elections provides county-by-county guidance on its website. 

If you plan on using a ballot by mail, you must return the ballot in person or received by mail by 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th. Don’t forget that Florida requires a valid photo ID to vote, including a driver’s license, military ID, debit card, and more. 

10. Georgia

Early in-person voting in Georgia started on Oct. 15th and ends on Nov. 1st. In order to find early voting locations, and mail-in application and ballot status, Georgia voters must use the GA My Voter Page, where they are required to provide their first initial, last name, county, and date of birth. 

Any voter can request a ballot by mail, but it must be received in person or by mail no later than the close of polls on Nov. 5th. Georgia also requires valid photo ID, whether that’s a driver’s license (current or expired), free county ID card, student ID card, or more.

11. Hawaii

Like California, Hawaii mails a ballot to every registered voter ahead of the election. You can return this ballot in person or received by mail by 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th, or you can vote in person during the early voting period. This period began on Oct. 22nd and will end on Nov. 4th. 

Hawaii, also like California, doesn’t require ID to vote. If you’re looking for an interactive map for Voter Service Centers or Ballot Drop Boxes, look no further than the State of Hawaii Office of Elections website.

12. Idaho

Idaho offers early voting (called in-person absentee voting) and also allows any voter to request their ballot via mail. If you want to take advantage of an in-person voting location, check with your county elections office. 

However, if you’d rather use an absentee ballot, you have until Nov. 5th at 8:00 PM to return it in person or have it be received by mail. Do note that Idaho requires a photo ID in order to cast your ballot, and that includes but is not limited to, an Idaho driver’s license or a tribal photo ID.

13. Illinois

If they meet certain criteria, Illinois voters can vote early in person or by requesting a ballot by mail. In-person locations vary based on jurisdiction and may be at the office of an election authority or even a health care facility.

Absentee ballots are available but must be returned in person or postmarked by Nov. 5th at 7:00 PM. Illinois, like California or Hawaii, doesn’t require ID to vote.

14. Indiana

If there is an acceptable reason not to vote in person, Indiana offers voters absentee ballots by mail but does not offer in-person polling. This early voting period started 28 days before Nov. 4th and ends at noon on the same day. Indiana requires a photo ID to vote, and if you’re turning in a ballot early be sure to do so before close of polls on Nov. 5th.

15. Iowa

Iowa, like Idaho, offers in-person absentee voting. This began on Oct. 16th and ends on Nov. 4th. Additionally, any voter can request a ballot by mail, which must be dropped off in person or received by mail on Nov. 5th by 8:00 PM.

16. Kansas

Advance in-person voting is available for Kansas voters. Each county has unique advance voting locations. If you instead choose to request a ballot by mail, you can drop it off at a ballot drop box postmarked by Nov. 5th at the close of polls, or you can opt to return it in person at a voting location on Election Day.

17. Kentucky

If you are unable to vote in person, Kentucky offers absentee ballots by mail, but voters are encouraged to vote on Election Day. If you’re planning to use a mail-in absentee ballot, be sure it has been received by the County Clerk no later than Nov. 5th at 6:00 PM. Some voters can vote early if they have proven excuses, and locations vary based on the county.

18. Louisiana

Louisiana voters who will be unable to go in-person on election day can request an absentee ballot, but all other voters are encouraged to go in-person. If you plan on using an absentee ballot, it must be received no later than Nov. 4th at 4:30 PM, either in person or by mail. Like Florida, Louisiana requires a photo ID to vote––spanning a driver’s license (digital or physical), a military ID, and more. 

19. Maine

Maine, like Iowa, offers in-person absentee voting that varies by location as well as mailed ballots, which must be returned to a municipal clerk or drop box no later than 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. First-time voters may be required to show an acceptable document (Maine driver’s license, state ID card, utility bill, etc.) to cast their ballot, but returning voters don’t need to provide ID.

20. Maryland

Maryland voters can cast their ballot early by mail or in-person. In-person early voting takes place between Oct. 24th and Oct. 31st, but dates and times could vary based on county locations. Mail-in ballots are also available for any voter but must be either hand delivered to a ballot drop box or local board of elections, or mailed in, postmarked on or before Nov. 5th. 

Like Maine, returning Maryland voters don’t need to provide ID to vote, but first-time voters may be required to show a document like a driver’s license or U.S. passport.

21. Massachusetts

Like Maryland, Massachusetts offers early in-person voting, but the dates range from Oct. 19th to Nov. 1st. Voters can use the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Elections Division website to find their community’s early voting location. Voters may also request a ballot by mail, which must be turned in to a local election office (by ballot drop box or mailed in advance) by Nov. 5th at 5:00 PM.

22. Michigan

In Michigan, voters can use an early voting site to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Registered voters are not required to present a photo ID, and this service closes on Nov. 3rd. Additionally, Michigan voters can request a ballot by mail, but it must be returned in person at a local clerk’s office or drop box by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th or received by that time after being mailed.

23. Minnesota

Minnesota voters can register to vote via absentee ballot, which they can then turn in early at their local election office or by mail. If by mail, it must be received by Election Day. If in person, it must be returned to the election office that sent it no later than 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. Some towns and cities also offer voters in-person absentee options. After you’ve cast your vote, you can track the status of your absentee or mail ballot using the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State’s ballot tracking service.

24. Mississippi

While most Mississippi voters are expected to go in person, some who cannot vote in person can qualify to receive an absentee ballot. If you have qualified, your ballot must be returned by mail and postmarked by Nov. 5th, but there are also options to vote absentee in person. Each County Clerk’s Office has varying guidelines, but the deadline is Nov. 2nd.

25. Missouri

Like Massachusetts, Missouri offers in-person absentee voting from Oct. 22nd through Nov. 4th for those who qualify based on one of the approved reasons. If you’re planning to vote using an absentee ballot, you must mail it in to be received no later than 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th. The same deadline applies to returning your ballot in person.

26. Montana

Any registered voter in Montana can vote early by using an absentee ballot, but it must be received at the polling place or election office no later than 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. Montana voters will be asked to show a valid form of ID (like a Driver’s license, U.S. passport, tribal ID card, etc.) in order to vote. After you’ve cast your ballot, don’t forget to track it to make sure your vote has been received and counted!

27. Nebraska

Nebraska is considered a “no-excuse” state, so registered voters don’t need to provide a reason to request an absentee ballot. If you opt to use one, you must deliver it in person or to your county’s drop box or have it set to arrive via mail by the close of polls on Nov. 5th. Early in-person voting started on Oct. 7th and will close on Nov. 4th –– but no matter how you do it, don’t forget a valid photo ID. 

28. Nevada

Like California, Nevada mails every registered voter a ballot that they can mail back, postmarked by Election Day, or drop in a drop box on or before Nov. 5th. But, early in-person options are also available for Nevada voters between Oct. 19th and Nov. 1st. Like Maine, first-time voters may be required to show a valid form of ID to vote, but returning voters will likely not need to. After you’ve cast your ballot, you can track its status using one of Nevada’s two tracking resources.

29. New Hampshire

While New Hampshire doesn’t offer early in-person voting, some voters may be eligible to vote early using an absentee ballot. If you’re mailing it back, you must ensure your ballot will be received no later than 5:00 PM on Nov. 5th, but if you’re dropping it off early in person to your local clerk, it must be received by 5:00 PM on Nov. 4th.

30. New Jersey

All New Jersey voters can request their ballot by mail, but the state also offers early in-person voting. Designated locations will be open from Oct. 26th through Nov. 3rd; no appointment is necessary. If you plan to vote using a mailed ballot, ensure it is returned in person to a secure ballot drop box or your county’s Board of Elections Office by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th or mailed and postmarked to arrive at that date. Like Nevada, if you’ve voted before, you don’t need to provide ID to vote, but if you’re voting for the first time, you must show a valid form of ID.

31. New Mexico

New Mexico voters can use an absentee ballot or go to the polls before Election Day to vote early. In-person locations opened on Oct. 8th and will close on Nov. 2nd. If you’re a New Mexico voter who requested a ballot by mail, make sure you bring it in person to a voting location or to your country clerk’s office by 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th. If you plan to mail your ballot in, it must be mailed on or before Nov. 4th.

32. New York

Like many other states, New York offers early in-person voting at designated Early Voting Centers. This early voting period lasts from Oct. 26th to Nov. 3rd. But voters can also request absentee or early mail ballots that can be mailed and postmarked no later than Nov. 5th, brought to your local County Board of Elections Office or poll site by that Election Day at 9:00 PM, or returned to an early voting poll site while they are still operating.

33. North Carolina

North Carolina offers an early voting period from Oct. 17th through Nov. 2nd, and voters may cast their ballot at any voting site. Voters can also request a mail ballot, which officials must receive no later than 7:30 PM on Nov. 5th, either via mail or in-person to an early voting site or local county board of elections office. These cannot be returned to a polling place on Election Day. Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport card!

34. North Dakota

Some communities in North Dakota offer early in-person voting. Another option is to request an absentee ballot, which must be dropped off at a secure drop box, in person to an appropriate election official or your county auditor by 5:00 PM on Nov. 4th, or postmarked for that date. Please note that while North Dakota does not require ID to register to vote, voters must present a valid form of ID to cast their ballot.

35. Ohio

Ohio voters benefit from early in-person voting, which started on Oct. 8th and will conclude on Nov. 3rd. Absentee voting by mail also began at that time and must be postmarked by Nov. 4th. However, if you’re not returning your ballot by mail, the cutoff for your board of elections to receive it is 7:30 PM on Nov. 5th. Like North Carolina, Ohio voters must show valid photo ID, such as an unexpired Ohio driver’s license or military ID.

36. Oklahoma

Like New York, Oklahoma has designated early voting locations. The period begins on Oct. 30th and ends on Nov. 2nd. Early voters can instead request an absentee ballot, which the County Election Board must receive before 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th. All voters must prove their identity either using a valid form of photo ID, a free voter ID card, or a provisional ballot signed with a sworn affidavit.

37. Oregon

Like California, Oregon mails ballots to every registered voter ahead of Election Day. These ballots can be mailed back or dropped off at official drop boxes—so long as they are received or mailed and postmarked by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. There is no early in-person voting; in fact, all elections in Oregon are conducted exclusively via mail.

38. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers early voting, which is called in-person mail ballot voting. There are various locations where you can cast your ballot before Election Day, but note that availability varies from county to county. If you prefer to use a mail-in or absentee ballot, ensure it has been returned and received by your local election office no later than 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. Like New Jersey, you don’t need to provide ID to vote if you’ve voted before, but if you’re a first-time voter, you must show a valid form of ID.

39. Rhode Island

Either at your town or city hall or at a designated early voting location, you can vote early in-person in Rhode Island. This period began on Oct. 16th and will conclude on Nov. 4th. If you plan to request a ballot by mail, make sure that you drop it off at a drop box by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. If you’re mailing it in, it must arrive and be counted by that same date and time. Rhode Island voters will be asked to present a valid form of photo ID.

40. South Carolina

Any registered voter in South Carolina can vote early prior to election day. The early voting period started on Oct. 21st and will close on Nov. 2nd, though it is also closed on Oct. 27th. Voters will be asked to show an acceptable form of photo ID. Any qualified voter in South Carolina can instead cast an absentee ballot with a 7:00 PM deadline on Nov. 5th. Don’t forget to track your ballot to ensure it was counted!

41. South Dakota

South Dakota offers in-person absentee voting, which began on Sep. 20th and will end on Nov. 4th. Voters who request an absentee ballot can either mail it in, postmarked by Election Day, or vote in person by bringing the ballot and a form of photo ID to their County Auditor’s office no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day.

42. Tennessee

Early in-person voting in Tennessee started on Oct. 16th and will end on Oct. 31st. Each county has early voting locations and hours, so please note that a photo ID must be present in order to cast your ballot. But if you have a qualifying reason to vote early and cannot go to a physical location, you can use another option: by-mail voting. Mail ballots must be received by election officials at the close of polls on Nov. 5th. 

43. Texas

Texas offers early in-person voting, available to all voters, from Oct. 21st to Nov. 1st. If you plan to vote early in person, don’t forget a valid form of photo ID, such as a Texas driver’s or handgun license. Texas also offers absentee ballots, which voters who cannot vote in person can return either in-person by 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th or mailed and postmarked by that date.

44. Utah

Like California, Utah mails ballots to all registered voters, though the voter must be an active registered voter. If you want to mail it back, you must make sure it's postmarked no later than Nov. 4th. Or, if you’d prefer to return it to a drop box or vote center, you must do so before 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. Utah voters must present either one photo ID or two non-photo IDs to prove their name and residency to cast their ballots.

45. Vermont

Similar to California, Vermont mails a ballot to every registered voter. If you’re planning to use that option, you must send it back via mail to be received by Election Day, or you can drop it in a drop box on or before then––Nov. 5th. Vermont also offers in-person absentee voting, but dates and times vary by location.  Like Pennsylvania, if you’ve voted before, you don’t need to provide ID, but if you’re a first-time voter, you do.

46. Virginia

Any Virginia voter can request a ballot by mail, but the state also offers early in-person voting beginning on Sept. 20th and ending on Nov. 2nd. If you choose to complete an absentee ballot, return it to your general registrar’s office in person by 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th or mail it postmarked on or before election day. First-time voters by mail for a federal election must show identification if they did not send any while applying to vote.

47. Washington

Like Vermont, every registered voter in Washington will receive a ballot in the mail ahead of Election Day. On Oct. 18th, voters receive their ballot, or they can use Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) at voting centers. Ballots must be deposited in official drop boxes no later than 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th.

48. West Virginia

West Virginia offers absentee ballots that can be returned by mail or in person for voters who cannot vote in person. Most absentee voters must mail and postmark absentee ballots by Election Day or hand deliver them the day before, Nov. 4th. After you’ve mailed or hand-delivered your absentee ballot, don’t forget to track it using the West Virginia Secretary of State’s online tool. In addition to this, West Virginians also have access to in-person early voting locations, which opened on Oct. 23rd and will close on Nov. 2nd. Note that voters must show a valid, non-expired form of ID to cast their ballot, such as a driver’s license or even student ID.

49. Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers in-person absentee voting at local municipal clerk’s offices. There, voters who have applied for absentee ballots and have an acceptable photo ID can return their ballots in person. Hours vary by location, but the deadline is 8:00 PM on Nov. 5th. If you’d rather return it by mail, USPS recommends you mail it back at least seven days before Nov. 5th.

50. Wyoming

In Wyoming, voters can register to receive an absentee ballot and begin voting from Oct. 8th through Nov. 4th. Each county clerk’s office requires ballots to be returned no later than 7:00 PM on Nov. 5th. This means that if you choose to return your ballot by mail, you may need to send it out as early as seven days before Election Day.

There’s no time to waste! Election Day will be here before you know it, so there’s no better time to make your voice heard. Early voting allows you to shape your city, county, state, and country’s future on your own schedule, avoiding the inevitable stress of last-minute crowds or conflicts. When you cast your ballot early, you’re ensuring every issue that matters to you gets the attention it deserves. Don’t wait––your vote is your voice, so speak up soon for the future you’d like to see!