Early Voting Accessibility Surges Ahead of 2024 Election
Washington — Around 97% of eligible voters can now cast their ballots before Election Day this year, a stark contrast to just a few decades ago. This significant shift is highlighted in a recent report published by the Center for Election Innovation & Research on Tuesday. Experts suggest that this increase in early voting opportunities not only enhances election integrity but also serves as a safeguard against misinformation.
Back in 2000, only 40% of eligible voters had the option to vote before Election Day. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape looks vastly different. With the exception of Alabama, Delaware, Mississippi, and New Hampshire, all states now offer some form of early voting, marking a significant rise from 24 states in 2000 to 46 states this year. Furthermore, in 36 states and Washington, D.C., voters can also choose to vote by mail without the need for a specific justification.
David Becker, the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research and a contributor on election law for CBS News, pointed out that in 2000, a majority of voters, 60%, were limited to casting their votes on a single Tuesday in November. However, the expansion of voting options since then has been remarkable.
The Rise of Early Voting in Elections
Experts have noted a significant increase in the number of voters choosing to cast their ballots before Election Day. This trend has not only benefited busy voters by providing them with the flexibility to choose when to vote, but it has also enhanced election integrity.
According to recent data, the percentage of total ballots cast before Election Day has seen a steady increase over the years. In 2000, only 14% of ballots were cast early, compared to 50% in the 2022 midterm elections. This trend is expected to continue in the upcoming elections.
