The 2024 election cycle is heating up, and early in-person voting is officially underway in several key states, starting this Monday, October 21st. These states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Idaho, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Texas, are crucial battlegrounds, with important House races and other down-ballot contests on the ballot.
Key Down-Ballot Races to Watch:
Alaska’s at-large district:
This district is a prime example of a closely watched race. In 2022, moderate Democrat Mary Peltola pulled off a historic upset by defeating former Governor Sarah Palin in a ranked-choice system. This year, Republicans are hoping that Nick Begich, a second-time candidate, can bring the district back into the GOP fold. Peltola is focusing on the fishing industry, while Begich is emphasizing energy policy. This race is currently considered Lean D according to the Fox News Power Rankings.
Connecticut’s 5th District:
This district has consistently been Democrat-held, but it includes some areas that lean more Republican. Representative Jahana Hayes, who has represented the district since 2019, is facing a challenge from former Connecticut state Senator George Logan, who ran unsuccessfully for the same district in the midterms. The Power Rankings currently classify this race as Lean D.
Texas’ 28th District:
Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar, who has represented the 28th district for nearly a decade, is seeking his tenth term. He won his last race by a comfortable margin of 13 points. However, he faces an uphill battle this year, as he is currently embroiled in a legal controversy. The Department of Justice has indicted him on charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and bribery. Cuellar is facing Republican candidate Jay Furman, a former Navy commander. Despite the legal challenges, the race is still considered Lean D.
Texas’ 34th District:
In southeast Texas, incumbent Democrat Vicente Gonzalez is aiming for his fifth term in Congress. He won his last election by a solid eight and a half points. He is facing Republican Mayra Flores, who briefly held the seat in 2022. This Gulf Coast district is also classified as Lean D.
How to Vote in Each State:
Alaska:
*
Registration Deadline:
Online or mail registration ended on October 6th. You can still register in person on Election Day.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Begins on Monday, October 21st, and continues through November 4th.*
Absentee Voting:
Alaska began absentee voting earlier this month. Voters do not need to provide an excuse to receive a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is October 26th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.
Arkansas:
*
Registration Deadline:
October 7th for both mail and in-person registration at a local election office.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Begins on Monday, October 21st, and continues through November 4th.*
Absentee Voting:
Arkansas started absentee voting earlier this month. The deadline to request a ballot is October 29th, and the ballot must be delivered to county officials by November 5th.
Connecticut:
*
Registration Deadline:
Online or by mail registration ended on October 18th. You can register in person during early voting (October 21st through November 3rd) or on Election Day.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Began on Monday, October 21st, and will continue through November 3rd.*
Absentee Voting:
Connecticut began absentee voting earlier this month. Voters need to provide a reason for requesting a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is November 4th, and the ballot must be delivered to county officials by November 5th.
Idaho:
*
Registration Deadline:
Online registration ended on October 11th. You can register in person during early voting (which ends on November 1st) or on Election Day.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Begins on Monday, October 21st for some locations, but varies for others. Check your county elections website for specific start dates. Early in-person voting will continue through November 1st.*
Absentee Voting:
Idaho began absentee voting in late September. Voters do not need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is October 25th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.
North Dakota:
*
Registration Deadline:
North Dakota does not require prior voter registration. All eligible citizens can vote in elections.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Some counties started early in-person voting on Monday, October 21st. Other counties may begin later or not offer early voting. Check the state’s website for county-specific information.*
Absentee Voting:
Voters do not need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is November 4th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by the end of the same day.
South Carolina:
*
Registration Deadline:
Online, in-person, and mail registration ended on October 14th.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Begins on Monday, October 21st, and runs through November 2nd.*
Absentee Voting:
South Carolina started absentee voting in early October. Voters need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is October 25th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.
Texas:
*
Registration Deadline:
Texas residents must have registered to vote prior to October 7th.*
Early In-Person Voting:
Began on Monday, October 21st, and continues through November 1st.*
Absentee Voting:
Texas started absentee voting in early October. Voters need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is October 25th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.For complete and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, procedures, and deadlines, please visit Vote.gov and the respective election websites for each state. Make sure your voice is heard! Get out there and vote!