Early Voting: What You Need to Know

Whether you are a previous or first-time voter, casting your ballot in the 2020 election will be unlike any year before. After confirming your voter registration status on Can I Vote, voters must decide whether to vote by mail or in person. In most U.S. states, those who elect to vote in person may vote before Election Day, which is Nov. 3.  

101 Jaw-droppingly Beautiful Photos of America

Early voting without an excuse is available this year in most U.S. states that allow in-person voting, with notable exceptions including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire and South Carolina. 

While in-person voting plans are subject to change due to the coronavirus pandemic, early voting periods are scheduled to begin at varying times across the U.S., from 45 days before Election Day in states like Vermont to just five days before Election Day in Oklahoma. To check early voting availability in your state, visit Can I Vote, click absentee and early voting, and select your state from the drop-down menu. 

The average early voting period begins 22 days before the election and ends just a few days before Election Day. Twenty-four states have previously allowed weekend voting on either a Saturday or Sunday. 

As you head out to the polls on Election Day, help curb the spread of the coronavirus and do all you can to vote safely in-person.