Understanding Voting Rules in Major Battleground States
In the United States, the process of voting in major battleground states is varied and sometimes controversial. All seven of these states permit "no-excuse" absentee or mail-in voting, which means that any registered voter can vote by mail without needing to provide a reason such as disability or unavailability. Most of these states also allow for the use of drop boxes.
Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), ballots are usually sent to military and overseas voters earlier than other voters. In-person early voting will start in most battleground states by mid to late October.
Wisconsin and Pennsylvania Voting Rules
In Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, there is no formal in-person early voting. However, voters in these states can hand-deliver mail-in ballots to local election offices and drop boxes. In Pennsylvania, counties could typically have started mail-in ballot processing as early as 50 days before Election Day. However, challenges to candidates' nominations have delayed the start of mail-in voting in the state.
Arizona Voting Rules
In Arizona, in-person early voting begins 27 days before Election Day and lasts until the day before the election. There is also an emergency early voting period for voters who experience an emergency between the Friday preceding the election and the Monday preceding the election. Absentee ballots are sent out to voters who make a one-time request or who are on the state’s Active Early Voting List. The deadline for ballots to reach officials is 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Georgia Voting Rules
In Georgia, in-person early voting, also known as advance voting, starts on Oct. 15 and ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. State law mandates at least one drop box per county, while county registrars have some discretion to add more based on population or advance voting site numbers. Absentee ballots must be requested by voters and will be sent out starting on Oct. 7.
Michigan Voting Rules
In Michigan, communities may provide early in-person voting as soon as 29 days before Election Day. A mandatory early voting period commences nine days before the election. Early in-person voting is a new concept in Michigan, approved through a November 2022 ballot initiative that also mandated drop boxes in every municipality in the state.
Nevada Voting Rules
In Nevada, in-person early voting starts on Oct. 19 and continues through Nov. 1. The state has universal mail-in voting, with all active registered voters receiving a ballot in the mail unless they opt out. Drop boxes are located at all polling places, including early voting polling places.
North Carolina Voting Rules
In North Carolina, in-person early voting starts on the third Thursday before Election Day. Absentee voting usually starts much sooner. However, after the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled to strike Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name from ballots, county boards of elections throughout the state are printing new ballots.
Pennsylvania Voting Rules
In Pennsylvania, in-person early voting is not technically an option. However, voters can start returning mail-in or absentee ballots in person weeks before Election Day. Election officials must receive mail-in and absentee ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Wisconsin Voting Rules
In Wisconsin, in-person early voting isn’t a stand-alone option. However, Wisconsinites can vote absentee by mail or in person. Once official ballots are in, municipal clerks must send absentee ballots by Sept. 19 to voters with requests on file. They must be returned to those clerks by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Bottom Line
The rules and regulations surrounding voting in the United States, particularly in major battleground states, can be complex and varied. It's crucial for voters to understand the specific rules in their state to ensure their vote is counted. What are your thoughts on these varied voting methods across different states? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
