The 2024 election is heating up, and with it, early voting is kicking off in key states across the nation. Maryland and Mississippi joined the ranks of states offering early voting on Monday, September 23, adding to the growing number of voters casting their ballots before Election Day.
While these states are not considered competitive at the presidential level, Maryland’s Senate race is capturing attention. Former Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, is facing off against Democratic challenger Angela Alsobrooks, the current county executive and prosecutor. The race is considered Leans D by Fox News Power Rankings, indicating Alsobrooks has a slight advantage, largely due to Maryland’s heavily blue tilt. Despite this, Hogan, known for his moderate policies and vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump, has managed to gain traction in recent polls. He has challenged Alsobrooks on policy issues, offering a set of moderate proposals without alienating Trump supporters.
The last time Maryland voted for a Republican senator was in 1980, making this race a particularly significant one. It will be interesting to see how the state’s voters react to the candidates’ platforms and how the race plays out in the coming weeks.
Mississippi, meanwhile, is not expected to play a major role in the 2024 presidential election. However, the state has implemented early voting, allowing residents to vote by mail before Election Day. The deadline to receive a ballot application is November 4th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.
If you’re a registered voter in Maryland or Mississippi, now’s the time to familiarize yourself with the voting process. You can find comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes, and deadlines by visiting Vote.gov and the respective state election websites.
Here’s a breakdown of the voting process in each state:
Maryland
*
Voting by mail:
Absentee voting began on Monday. Applicants do not need to provide a reason for requesting a ballot. The state must receive a ballot application by October 29th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.*
Early in-person voting:
Absentee ballots can be returned in person through Election Day. Early voting begins on October 24th and runs through October 31st.*
Voter registration:
Maryland residents can register to vote online or by mail through October 15th. They can also register in-person during early voting or on Election Day.Mississippi
*
Voting by mail:
Mississippi began absentee voting on Monday. However, applicants need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The state must receive a ballot application by November 4th, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by November 5th.*
Early in-person voting:
Mississippi does not offer early in-person voting.*
Voter registration:
Residents can register to vote by mail or in person through October 7th.With several weeks remaining before the election, it’s essential for voters to stay informed and participate in the process. Early voting offers a convenient option for those who want to get their vote in early, and with the election heating up, it’s more important than ever to make your voice heard.
