How does early voting work in a presidential election?
Early voting allows eligible voters to cast ballots before Election Day, either in person at designated locations or by mail/absentee ballot. Rules and availability vary by state.
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.
Related questions
Can I change my vote after casting an early ballot?
Is early voting safe and secure?
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Related explainers
To register to vote for the 2028 United States presidential election, go to vote.gov and follow the link to your state's official registration portal before your state's deadline. Then vote one of three ways: in person on Election Day (November 7, 2028), in person during early voting, or by mail/absentee. Registration is handled by each state, so check your state's deadline and rules before you vote.
The 2028 U.S. presidential election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2028. By law, Election Day falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The 2028 election date is Tuesday, November 7, 2028. Federal law fixes Election Day as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years.
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