Early voting

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Early voting, is the process which voters can cast their vote on a single or series of days prior to an election. Early voting can take place remotely, such as by mail, or in person, usually in designated early voting polling stations. The availability and time periods for early voting vary based on jurisdiction and type of election. In many U.S. states the period varies between four and fifty days prior to Election Day. Early voting can be considered synonymous with "no-excuse" absentee voting. Fifteen U.S. states currently allow early voting, and sixteen allow no-excuse in-person absentee voting^[1]. As of November 4 2006, 35 US states permit either absentee voting or early voting.^[2] The goal of early voting is usually to increase participation and relieve congestion of polling stations on Election Day.

1 In the United States
2 References
3 External links

[edit] In the United States

[edit] Florida

The U.S. state of Florida officially began early voting in 2004 as part of post-2000 election reform.

Turnout for early voting exceeded one million in 2004. There were some problems: 1st-day computer failures in Orange County and Broward County; accidentally-erased votes in Volusia County; and a lack of early voting sites in Jacksonville. Reforms are being discussed to address the known issues, as well as possibly eliminating the standard poll in favor of modified early voting.

[edit] Maryland

In August 2006, a judge ruled in favor of several plaintiffs that the state constitution only permitted voting on the day of the election. The plaintiffs were challenging a new early-voting law on the probability of fraud. Absentee ballots appear to remain acceptable for the time being.

[edit] Other states

A list of early voting & absentee voting states is maintained by the National Conference of State Legislatures. At present (July 7, 2006), US states which still prohibit early voting or in person absentee voting include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania , Rhode Island, South Carolina and Washington . In Oregon (and 34 of 39 counties in Washingtin), all ballots are cast using postal voting.^[3]