Reasons Why Early Voting Matters
Vote early and you just might get a sticker like this. Photo from a Mass 50501 volunteer.
Along with the first chilly morning, the arrival of Halloween decorations, and the return of pumpkin spice to our coffee shops, comes the countdown to midterm elections. As threats to our election integrity increase (see: plans of armed agents at polling places, the cancellation of international poll observers, and the various attempts to restrict mail-in voting for a sampling of just some of what we are facing), our resolve to protect our elections grows ever stronger. Mass 50501 launched our Protect Our Vote campaign to provide ways for Massachusetts residents to stay informed and get active this election season.
The No Kings movement has similarly identified the urgent needs to protect our elections and empower voters. October 17th, the next No Kings day of action, officially named No Kings: Vote Early, will focus on nonpartisan voter participation to turn people power into voter power.
Twenty-two states will already have early voting underway by October 17th, two states will open early voting that day (Nevada and Massachusetts!), and twenty more (plus D.C.) will open early voting within fourteen days of the 17th. If you’re playing along at home: you’re right; that doesn’t add up to 50. Three states do not offer no-excuse early voting: Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. In North Dakota and Pennsylvania, early voting dates vary by county. Oregon has all mail-in ballots.
What are the benefits to early voting? As of this blog post’s publication date, we have twenty-two days until early voting begins in Massachusetts. So, here are twenty-two reasons why early voting is important:
Early voting increases access. It allows all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their daily responsibilities. For example, shift workers and caregivers may not be able to attend on Tuesday, November 3rd, but can likely squeeze in voting on another day around their schedule.
Early voting mitigates attempts at voter suppression, such as threats of federal agents being deployed to polling places.
With mail-in ballots being the focus of recent attacks, early in-person voting removes any doubt that your vote counts. (Mail-in voting remains a safe, legal alternative to in-person voting. If you plan to vote by mail, consider using a ballot drop box to return your ballot. If you will mail your ballot back, ensure ample time so that it arrives by the deadline. You can track your Massachusetts ballot here.)
Early voting narrows the opportunity for claims of a “rigged” outcome.
Early voting reduces the dreaded long lines on election day, which could increase voter turnout. (Fewer people bailing on the lines!)
Early Voting is Contagious! News reports of early voter turnouts can encourage others to join the club.
Early voting allows for unprecedented turnout. Over 30% of us are not voting even in years with high turnout. Adding those votes will affect the outcome.
Early voting may provide ample time to correct any unforeseen errors in registration, such as if you forgot to complete your town census form (if you have been placed on an inactive voter list, you may still vote provided you meet the state’s criteria and can provide identification!). *Because many ballots are manually prepared on election day, regardless of when they arrived, it is still imperative that you write your name and address legibly to avoid last minute errors.
While some critics of early voting indicate that casting your ballot early removes the opportunity for you to change your mind due to last-minute news stories, one of our volunteers suggested that casting an early ballot actually protects you from being swayed by overly-sensationalized October surprises.
Citizens who need a ride to the polls have more options and thus a greater chance of successfully obtaining a ride.
Disabled citizens and/or citizens with chronic illness can plan around their changing capacities in order to vote, rather than having to power through on one day or sit out entirely.
While Early Voting does place added responsibilities on municipalities (such as staffing), it has also been found to reduce strain on voting systems by spreading out voters and thus reducing some day-off burdens. [This benefit seems to vary. All ballots must go through the proper ward tabulator, and early ballots can be counted beginning 9 days before election day as part of an “advance processing” session, though many choose not to. Some municipalities may prepare ballots for tabulation early, but others will prepare them at the same time as handling the in-person election. One poll worker we spoke to stated that any burdens of managing early ballots are worth it to increase voter access, adding “Every vote is a win!”]
Reduced lines can make voting (on election day or beforehand) more accessible and less draining for people who experience anxiety or mobility challenges.
Voting early circumvents any weather-related challenges on election day. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail—your vote has already been cast, so stay warm and dry!
Early voting can reduce the spread of germs (especially as we enter cold and flu season). For immunocompromised folks, the ability to vote without having to stand amid a chorus of coughs is invaluable.
No worries if you wake up sick on Election Day!
When you vote early by mail, you have more time to think and research what you’re voting for/against, especially with long and complicated ballot questions, like this year’s whopping nine ballot questions in MA. You may also feel more able to take your time if you vote early in-person!
You may be less likely to get challenged or not be allowed to vote at the polls even when you’re eligible and registered.
While early voting is all about increasing access for all eligible voters nationwide and making sure every vote counts—which is more important than ever as attempts to restrict access and suppress votes have ramped up, our team has also recognized that sometimes life happens and even the best laid-plans go awry. Early voting also helps mitigate the impacts of everyday life. So, here are some sillier reasons why early voting is beneficial:
Some sillier ones:
You can vote in your PJs! Messy hair, don’t care!
Your kid pukes, your dog pukes, you’re hungover… get the point?
You can’t start your car because your cat hid your keys.
There’s a toad on the road… there’s a moose on the loose… There's a bear on the stairs!
No Kings: Vote Early is about making sure every eligible voter has a plan to vote early, knows their options, and is ready to make their voice count. Because in America, the people choose their leaders. Leaders do not get to choose who votes, whose voices matter, or what future our communities deserve.
No Kings: Vote Early is intended to be a different model of mass public engagement from previous No Kings mobilizations. We’re focusing on action and impact over volume. We’ve built historic marches, we’ve protested on a previously unseen scale—and now we take that power to the polls. And we know voting is a local action—we need to activate our own communities to participate where we live. That's why we’re prioritizing local engagement over mass gatherings. Watch this space for more information about Mass 50501’s plans for October 17th.
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