The Initial 2024 Election Ballots Have Been Dispatched Via Post. Here's What You Need to Understand
The first election-related process was supposed to kick off with mail-in ballots in North Carolina, but it was postponed due to courts interrupting the process, ruling that ballots must be reissued without the option for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had suspended his campaign and endorsed ex-President Donald Trump, leading to his removal from the ballots.
In Alabama, absentee voting is now possible, despite being a state that generally discourages early voting.
Further developments are anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
Here's what to keep in mind:
When does mail-in and early voting commence?
Most states will not offer mail-in ballots until late September or October. The next significant date is September 19, when ballots are expected to be available in Wisconsin, a key state. Military and overseas voters must receive their ballots by September 21 in all states.
Each state has unique rules and deadlines for requesting a mail-in ballot and returning it by a specific date. Some states require mail-in ballots to reach election officials before the polls close, while others accept ballots postmarked earlier but received after Election Day.
Washington is one of a few states that conducts nearly all of its voting by mail and accepts a mail-in ballot until results are certified in late November, provided it is postmarked by Election Day.
Early voting can also be done in person in most states, though it doesn't start until later in September. Widespread early voting will begin on September 20 in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia.
For specific details on your state, refer to CNN's Voter Handbook, which provides dates for each state.
Is everyone eligible for early voting?
No. Thirty-six states, including Washington D.C., allow all voters to cast mail-in ballots. Eight of those states and Washington D.C. send ballots to all registered voters. The remaining fourteen states need specific reasons, such as work requirements or family obligations, for early or mail-in voting.
Has the campaign concluded?
Not at all. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump engaged in a heated debate on September 10. The vice-presidential candidates, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will have a debate on October 1.
Both campaigns will focus on seven contested states in the coming weeks and continue their efforts to get the vote out.
Do most people already know their vote choice?
Most likely, yes. According to CNN polls conducted by SSRS in battleground states, only an average of 15% of voters remain undecided. This implies that the presidential race's outcome is uncertain, despite narrow leads in each battleground state.
In 2020, nearly three-quarters of voters had made up their minds before September, and only 5% of exit poll respondents decided in the final week.
How and when will most people cast their votes?
In 2020, most people voted early or by mail, but these figures were higher due to the unique circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. Around half of voters in 2020 voted by mail, according to a Pew Research Center survey after Election Day. Approximately a quarter of voters cast their ballots in person before Election Day, and a quarter of voters voted in person on Election Day.
Trump criticized voting by mail in 2020, part of his unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, which led to fewer Republican voters using mail-in ballots. Almost three-quarters of Trump supporters voted in person on Election Day, while only 17% of Biden voters did. Nearly 60% of Biden voters used absentee or mail-in ballots.
These figures may change this year. Some states may not be as accommodating of early or mail-in voting in 2024. With the Covid-19 pandemic less of a concern, more voters may choose to vote in person instead of by mail.
Trump continues to falsely claim voter fraud and dislikes mail-in voting, although he has personally voted by mail. Republicans, despite Trump's warnings, are encouraging mail-in voting in many places.
How can I ensure my mail-in ballot is counted?
Follow the instructions! Each state has different guidelines, so make sure you understand how to return your mail-in ballot properly.
In North Carolina, for example, the ballot requires the signature of either two witnesses or a notary along with a photocopy of a photo ID.
In Pennsylvania, voters must write the date on the outside of their envelope. A Pennsylvania state court recently ruled, however, that ballots without that date cannot be discarded.
There will likely be more of these questions answered in court in the coming weeks.
For verification, some states require a photocopy of your ID, while others require a driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
In many states, mail-in ballots require a signature that will be compared with the signature on your driver's license or voter registration card, so make sure you use the same signature.
Also, make sure you mail your ballot with ample time before the election to minimize any likelihood of mail delays. If it's closer to Election Day, consider returning your ballot in person to avoid any mail delays.
If I mess up my vote, how can I fix it?
Frequently, voters can keep track of when their ballot is delivered and its standing online. If a ballot gets rejected, most states have a ballot correction process – they will notify the voter, and there's a procedure for correcting, or fixing, the mistake.
What if I'm in the military or live abroad?
You can vote, either by requesting an absentee ballot from your hometown jurisdiction or through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Different rules might apply to people voting from abroad, so don't leave it till the last minute.
What if I haven't registered to vote yet?
First, check your voter registration status. Many states provide voter registration when obtaining a driver's license.
If you're not registered currently, no worries. Voter registration deadlines don't start until October, and they differ by state.
Rhode Island is the first state to halt voter registration at one month before Election Day on October 5. However, it's also among the 23 states and the District of Columbia that permit Election Day registration.
Alaska and Rhode Island are unique because they only allow Election Day registration for the presidential election. By that time, most Americans might have already cast their votes.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, mail-in voting is still a contentious issue in politics, with some states requiring specific reasons for early or mail-in voting, while others send ballots to all registered voters.
The political landscape is dynamic, with Vice President Kamala Harris and other candidates engaging in debates and campaigns continuing in the contested states.
