Even though November 5 is Election Day – it’s the LAST DAY voters can drop off their election ballot to cast their votes for the 2024 Presidential General Election.
Many states allow for “Early Voting,” where voters can start returning their ballots as soon as they receive them and California is one of them. For the General Election, we have nearly an entire month to vote!
To learn about Early Voting in California and where ballot drop-off locations are near you, visit https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/. The state protects the voice and the voters’ rights of Californians by offering:
- Early Voting
- Same-Day Voter Registration
- Ballot Drop-Off Locations
- Provisional Ballots
Not all states provide these same rights and protections. Unfortunately, some states even try to suppress votes and actively find ways to undermine citizens’ right to vote.
In 2020, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to ensure that Californians can exercise their right to vote in a safe, secure, and accessible manner–which means having access to in-person voting locations, early voting, and ensuring every registered voter receives a vote-by-mail ballot.
Why vote early?
- Ensures your vote is counted. (Track your ballot here.)
- It helps voters avoid the risk of crowds, lines, and potential scheduling conflicts and reduces long lines that may discourage other voters from exercising their rights.
- It helps voters avoid any day-of voter suppression tactics.
- It gives voters more time to address any issues that may arise with your ballot.
- It gives voters flexibility in their voting plan and timeline – allowing them to decide when to study, research, fill in, and drop off their ballot.
- Reduces burdens on election officials and staff.
All Californians are urged to utilize the state’s resources and protections, and VOTE EARLY!
Early voting facts:
- Millions of Americans are eligible to cast their ballot ahead of Election Day.
- The vast majority of voters have multiple options for how they can cast their ballot early— they can vote in person or by mail at a time that is convenient for them.
- When Americans vote early, they ensure last-minute problems, long lines at the polls, or confusing election laws don’t prevent them from casting their ballot.
- Early voting numbers have broken records in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024!
Vote Early Day
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, is Vote Early Day.
Vote Early Day encourages all voters to learn about their voting options in state, local, and municipal elections.
Learn more at: https://voteearlyday.org/