Early Voting Begins Nationwide
Absentee and Early Voting Begin Across States Ahead of Midterms
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Key Points
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Virginia had already opened polling sites for early voting by the time of the article’s publication, making it an early outlier among states where most early voting begins in October.
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McHenry County voters who requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person must surrender the mail ballot at the polling place.
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Mississippi Hinds County Circuit Clerk Zack Wallace urged voters to participate, saying, “And whether your ballot is cast today or on Election Day, your voice only counts if you use it.”
Absentee and early voting opened across the nation this week as the 2026 midterm election draws closer. Crothers ville Times reported early voting began in select counties, while 47 states and Washington, D.C., now offer some form of early voting access. Three states — Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire — still do not offer traditional early voting, requiring voters to meet specific eligibility requirements instead.
Minnesota kicked off absentee voting on September 18, letting voters cast ballots by mail or in person without needing a reason. Alaska's News Source documented early voting momentum across the country. Mississippi opened absentee voting September 21 for qualified voters, while Illinois' McHenry County began early voting on September 24. The general election is set for November 3, with all 435 House seats, 33 Senate seats, and various state and local offices on the ballot.
How Each State Structures Its Voting Rules
Early voting access varies dramatically by state. Minnesota allows voters to apply online or through county election offices, with some counties offering expanded in-person voting with ballot tabulators. Mississippi requires voters to meet eligibility requirements to vote absentee. In-person absentee voting in Mississippi continues through noon October 31, while mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 10.
Illinois' McHenry County opens early voting September 24 at the Woodstock Election Center, then expands to more locations October 19, featuring extended weekday hours and ballot drop boxes. One key rule: voters in McHenry County who requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person must surrender their mail ballot at the polling place. Virginia opened polling sites for early voting earlier than most states, making it an early outlier.
Deadlines Voters Cannot Miss in Mississippi and Beyond
Mississippi voters face tight deadlines. Voter registration ends October 5 statewide. In-person absentee voting closes at noon on October 31. Mailed ballots must arrive by November 10 to be counted. Warren County voters can cast absentee ballots for judicial, school board, and other local races, with ballots due by noon October 31.
Minnesota officials advise voters to allow extra time for mailed ballots to arrive. Authorized individuals can return ballots for up to three other voters, but they must provide required identification and paperwork. The stakes are high: Hinds County Circuit Clerk Zack Wallace urged voters to participate, saying, "And whether your ballot is cast today or on Election Day, your voice only counts if you use it."
Why States Are Rolling Out Early Voting Over Weeks
Early and absentee voting spreads Election Day activity across weeks, reducing polling place congestion and staffing bottlenecks on November 3. Election boards process absentee applications, verify ballot signatures, and set up expanded voting stations through late October. This staggered approach smooths administrative operations and lets officials handle surges gradually.
The patchwork system reflects different philosophies about voting access. Proponents argue multi-week early voting windows maximize turnout and accommodate working voters. Traditionalists defend stricter systems like Mississippi's and Alabama's, saying they preserve the shared civic experience of Election Day and reduce administrative costs. The 2026 midterm will test how each system performs as voters nationwide head to the polls.
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