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100 Days 'til Freedom: Your Early Voting Cheat Sheet
Wake up, sheeple! Midterms are here, which means your rights are at stake. Grab your coffee, protest signs, and get ready to vote! Voting starts in just 100 days—don't forget, your voice matters! Pensylvania, Virginia, and Illinois are watching you!
Published July 28, 2024 at 4:12am by Kinsey Crowley
US elections: The fight for democracy
(https://www.usatoday.com/elections/)
The 2024 election is fast approaching, and the fight for democracy is more urgent than ever. With just 100 days until Election Day, the country is facing a critical moment in history.
Kamala Harris: Our only hope?
(https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/kamala-harris/)
Vice President Kamala Harris has stepped up to the plate, becoming the presumed Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden's wise decision to step down. Harris, a woman of color with a stellar political record, is the fresh face we need to take on the bigots and fascists.
Donald Trump: A threat to democracy
(https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/donald-trump/)
On the other hand, we have Donald Trump, a man who needs no introduction. This wannabe dictator announced his reelection bid a whopping two years early, showing his desperate thirst for power. He has no new policies, just the same old hate and division.
A هاريس campaign: A powerful start
The هاريس campaign is off to a flying start, raising $126 million in just three days. This shows the people's strong support for a progressive, inclusive vision for America. Trump, meanwhile, is floundering, unable to adapt to a new opponent.
Pennsylvania: A key battleground
Pennsylvania, a pivotal state, could accept ballots in just 50 days. This early voting period, combined with the tentative debate on Sept. 10, will set the tone for the election. Trump, a known coward, agreed to the debate before backing out, showing his fear of facing Harris.
The fight to vote: Early voting periods
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, here are the states with the earliest in-person early voting periods:
- California (https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/): Oct. 7
- Illinois (https://elections.il.gov/votingandregistrationsystems/EarlyVotingLocationsSearch.aspx): Sept. 26
- Minnesota (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-vote-early-in-person/): Sept. 20
- Nebraska: Oct. 7
- Pennsylvania (https://ibewgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IBEW_GOTV_PA_110623_vfinal.pdf): Sept. 16
- Vermont (https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/early-voting/): Ballots available 45 days before the election
- Virginia (https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/absentee-vote/): Sept. 20
- Wyoming (https://www.usvotefoundation.org/wyoming-election-dates): Oct. 8
Fighting voter suppression
While the above states are leading the way, there are sadly some states trying to suppress the vote. The following 10 states have made it harder to apply for an absentee ballot, with Iowa even charging a fee:
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
Early voting across the nation
A full list of early voting periods by state can be found via the National Conference of State Legislatures and Ballopedia.org (https://ballotpedia.org/early_vote_dates,_2024).
| State | Early Voting Details |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No early voting |
| Alaska | Early voting starts Oct. 21 |
| Arizona | Early voting starts Oct. 9 |
| ... | ... |
(Full list continues with details for each state)
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund
Read more: 100 days until the election, but some can vote sooner: When does early voting start in each state?