How does early voting work in a presidential election?

Early voting is a broad term covering any mechanism that allows voters to cast ballots before Election Day. Two main forms exist: in-person early voting (going to a designated polling location during a pre-election window, typically 1-4 weeks before Election Day) and voting by mail or absentee ballot (receiving, completing, and returning a ballot without going to a polling place).

Every state now offers some form of early voting or absentee voting, though the specific rules, deadlines, and eligibility criteria differ widely. Some states have 'no-excuse' absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request a mail ballot for any reason. Others require a documented excuse (travel, illness, disability).

A growing share of Americans now vote before Election Day. In recent presidential elections, a majority of votes were cast before Election Day, a trend that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has partially persisted.

For 2028, early voting start dates and deadlines will be set by each state under their existing laws, which may change before the election. Always verify current rules with your state's official election authority, as laws evolve.