Early Voting: A Key Component of US Elections
Election day in the United States may still be weeks away, but Americans in several parts of the country are already casting their ballots. In-person advanced voting has begun in states like Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, while mail-in voting has opened up in various other states.
Rights advocates argue that early voting helps make elections more inclusive by enabling more people to participate, regardless of constraints like disability, work, or travel obligations. This year, early voting offers a chance to build enthusiasm, as seen when Taylor Swift announced a performance in Florida just before voting begins in October.
How does early voting work?
US presidential elections are mainly governed by states, with each state determining the logistics of the voting process. Most states allow some form of early voting, with mail-in voting being a prevalent option.
How many Americans vote early?
In the 2020 election, over 100 million voters cast their ballots early, representing about two-thirds of all voters that year. Americans abroad, military members, and individuals with disabilities often opt for early voting.
Why is early voting controversial?
Early voting, especially mail-in voting, faced unfounded fraud claims in 2020. The process has been a point of contention as it can lead to a “blue shift” or “red mirage” in election results. Despite this, early voting remains a critical part of the electoral process.