US presidential elections 2024:Early voting plays a crucial role in the US elections by allowing citizens to cast their ballots before Election Day. This process enables voters to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, making participation more convenient. In states like Georgia, the early voting period began early, with over 300,000 people voting on the first day itself.
The effect of early voting can be significant, especially in closely contested races. In the 2020 election, over 100 million Americans voted early, representing about two-thirds of all votes. Trends show that early voting preferences can reflect political leanings; for example, in Virginia’s 2020 election, 70 per cent of voters in Democratic areas voted early, while only 50 per cent did so in Republican areas.
Early voting is crucial for several reasons:
Early voting varies by state. Most states offer in-person voting at designated polling places before Election Day, while some also provide mail-in voting. In Virginia, for instance, early voting started more than two weeks before the election, and many absentee ballots have already been submitted.
As early voting continues to play a vital role in the electoral process, it offers a valuable opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard.
(With inputs from agencies)