Early Voting Commences in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia: Elections Approach

Early voting commenced in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia on Friday, granting residents the opportunity to cast their votes in advance of the November 5 Election Day.

Voting Options

All three states initiated the distribution of mail-in ballots on the same day, providing voters with the option to vote either by mail or in person. Minnesota and South Dakota are allowing voters to complete their ballots and submit them at designated locations, while Virginia has opened select polling stations for early voting.

Shifting Terminology

Traditionally, voters who were unable to go to the polls on Election Day had to seek absentee ballots. However, in many states, mail-in and absentee ballots are now functionally equivalent, with terminology varying by state. In Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, early voting ballots are primarily referred to as absentee ballots.

Important Dates and Deadlines

While early voting is underway, it's significant to note that none of the three states are considered crucial battlegrounds. Most pivotal battleground states typically initiate in-person early voting in October. For more details on essential dates and deadlines and to obtain information on accessing the voting process in your respective state, you can explore relevant resources.