US President, Joe Biden cast his early-voting ballot in the presidential election on Monday in Delaware.
In the polls in the US, many Americans can opt to vote in advance of the November 5 polling day and Biden has done the same as the early voting for the 2024 US Presidential election started last week.
Harris’ campaign has pushed for Democratic voters to utilise early voting aggressively which is also seen as a tactic to help bank votes ahead of November 5 election day.
Voters in public elections can use early voting, also known as advance polling or pre-poll voting, as a convenient way to cast their ballots before the actual election day. Early voting can be done in person, typically at polling places designated for early voting, or remotely, like through postal voting. Different jurisdictions and election types have different early voting options and timeframes. Increased voter turnout, reduced polling station traffic on election day, and potential discrimination against those with work and travel schedules that might make it impossible for them to visit the polls during the designated hours on a single election day are the usual objectives of early voting.
Early voting in the US offers eligible voters the flexibility to cast their ballots before Election Day, making the voting process more accessible and accommodating. This convenience has led to early voting becoming a crucial element of the American electoral landscape. Most states, 46 in total plus Washington, D.C., allow for early voting, which can take place in-person at designated polling locations or through absentee voting by mail, depending on state-specific regulations.
In-person early voting locations are typically set up in public spaces such as government buildings, community centers, and sometimes even mobile voting sites, which are strategically placed to ensure accessibility for a wide range of communities. Many states begin their early voting period anywhere from 15 to 45 days prior to Election Day, offering ample time for voters to make it to the polls at their convenience.
The fact that early voting increases voter turnout is one of its many important benefits. It serves people who might be unable to cast ballots on election day due to scheduling constraints, health issues, or transportation limitations. Over 100 million Americans cast early ballots in the 2020 presidential election, making up approximately 70% of all votes cast. This record-breaking number highlighted the importance of early voting in contemporary elections. As more people discover that early voting greatly simplifies election participation, this trend is probably here to stay.
By reaching a larger audience, including young people, working professionals with hectic schedules, and people living in remote or rural areas, early voting also promotes inclusivity.
According to studies, the majority of Americans favour making early voting a regular option, and its use is only increasing. It is evident that early voting has evolved from a convenience to a crucial component of American elections, helping to streamline the process on election day and enhancing voting accessibility and inclusivity for all.
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