National Early Voting Day

Energetic young adult wearing patriotic colors, voting sticker proudly displayed on jacket, bustling cityscape background.. — National early voting day illustration

Hey there, early birds! Are you ready to cast your vote? Get fired up because National Early Voting Day is coming in hot. It's time to exercise your democratic right and make your voice heard before the big election day. So, grab your popcorn and let's dive into the fascinating world of early voting!

When is Early Voting Day?

It's national early voting day on the 1st November.

The Internet Origins of National Early Voting Day

Back in the internet stone age on November 1, 2016, National Early Voting Day started making waves online. With a whopping 1262 mentions, it was clear that people were gearing up to hit the polls ahead of the official voting day.

Early voting offers citizens the convenience of casting their ballots before Election Day. This practice allows individuals to vote at their own pace, avoiding long lines and potential scheduling conflicts. Plus, it takes the pressure off Election Day, ensuring a smoother process for everyone involved.

As online discussions surrounding the importance and benefits of early voting gained traction, the idea of celebrating National Early Voting Day was born. This special day serves as a reminder to make use of this option and participate in the democratic process.

Did You Know?

Did you know that early voting dates can vary from state to state? That's right! Each state has its own unique set of rules and regulations regarding early voting. So, before you strut your stuff to the nearest polling station, make sure you check out the specific dates and times in your area. It's always good to be prepared!

History behind the term 'Early Voting'

1845

The Genesis of Early Voting

The term 'early voting' originated in the United States in 1845. It refers to a system that allows eligible voters to cast their ballots before the scheduled election day. The intention behind this concept was to provide a more convenient option for voters who were unable to vote on the designated day due to various reasons, such as work or personal commitments.

1868

The Introduction of Early Voting in Minnesota

Early voting slowly gained traction over the years, and in 1868, Minnesota became the first state to officially adopt early voting as a part of its election process. The state legislature passed a law allowing voters to cast their ballots in person at least ten days before the general election. This marked a significant milestone in expanding voting opportunities beyond the confines of a single day.

1921

Early Voting Through Absentee Ballots

In 1921, the term 'early voting' took on a new dimension with the introduction of the concept of absentee voting. Absentee voting allowed eligible voters who were unable to be present at the polling stations on election day to submit their votes in advance by mail. This extended the convenience of early voting to a broader range of citizens, including members of the military, overseas voters, and those with travel or disability restrictions.

1978

Expanding Early Voting Access

The accessibility of early voting expanded further in 1978 when California became the first state to establish a 'no-excuse' early voting system. This meant that any registered voter could request an absentee ballot without having to provide a specific reason for being unable to vote in person on election day. This progressive step brought early voting to the mainstream, making it available to a larger portion of the population.

1999

The Term 'Early Voting' Commonly Used

By 1999, the term 'early voting' had become well-established and commonly used across the United States. The increasing popularity of early voting was driven by its convenience and the desire to ensure every eligible voter had the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. As technology advanced, states started offering various early voting methods, including in-person early voting at designated locations and mail-in or online voting options.

2020

Early Voting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, early voting gained unprecedented attention and importance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns about crowded polling places and potential health risks of in-person voting encouraged many states to expand early voting opportunities. This led to record-breaking numbers of early voters, with millions of citizens opting to cast their ballots before the official election day to ensure their voices were heard while minimizing potential exposure to the virus.