Know the difference between Absentee and Early Voting

from: Jessica Myers on Oct 04, 2012

What is the difference between Absentee and Early Voting?

As we approach Election Day, we thought it would be good to review absentee voting and early voting. We often receive questions about what makes these two methods of voting different. The short answer is: each state’s requirements.

Each state has its own laws and regulations governing the election administration process. Some states allow for absentee voting- generally by mail- if a voter provides an excuse as to why they cannot vote on Election Day. Other states provide what is known as “No Excuse” absentee voting, which allows voters, based on each state’s requirements, to request an absentee ballot without stating a reason why they are unable to vote in person at a polling place on Election Day.

In some cases, instead of receiving a ballot by mail for absentee voting, voters can request an absentee ballot in person and vote it in person or mail it back to their local election office.

Certain states allow for early voting which allows qualified voters to cast a ballot in person. Early Voting set up differs from state to state (in those that allow it), but provides designated location(s) and specific times for voters to cast ballots prior to Election Day.

Frequently, the timeframe allotted for absentee voting and early voting overlap, which is part of what makes understanding the difference between the two a bit more difficult.

Also, keep in mind that Absentee Ballot Request Deadlines are swiftly approaching. Contact your state or county for information about deadlines.

If you have additional information or questions, please contact Jessica Myers at jmyers@eac.gov or via Twitter (@EACgov).

< Previous Blog Posting

Back to Blog List

Name:

Location:

Email:

Comments:

1500 characters left

The purpose of this blog is to share useful, innovative and practical information about voting and elections with interested parties. EAC also intends to provide this forum to host conversations with the public. EAC encourages the submission of comments from the public and hopes that interested individuals will provide submissions on a regular basis. EAC also recognizes the value of providing this forum to facilitate discussions concerning best practices, solutions, and innovative ideas in election administration.

This is a moderated blog, and EAC will exercise discretion in determining which comments it will and will not post. As a moderated blog, EAC will review all comments before posting to ensure that commenters have complied with EAC’s Blog Code of Conduct. EAC’s decision to post or not post a comment is final and may not be appealed or reconsidered.

EAC expects that participants will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees with respect. EAC recognizes that the Internet is a 24/7 medium and comments are welcome at any time; however, we will typically review and post comments only during normal business hours.

You may only submit a comment for posting on EAC’s blog if you are older than 13 years of age. You will be asked to re-type a grouping of letters and/or numbers, which indicates that you agree to EAC’s Code of Conduct and also serves as an affirmation that you are older than 13 years of age. Your comment will not be transmitted to EAC for review and posting unless and until you successfully re-type the grouping of letters and/or numbers provided on your comment submission form. Read the full policy.

We look forward to reviewing your comments!

Please input the text and numbers that you see above into the following box in order to post your comment.