Early in-person voting opened on Saturday, October 24, in Florida, Michigan, New Jersey and New York, Ballotpedia reported, as the final stretch of the 2026 midterm campaign got under way ahead of the November 3 general election, when all 50 states hold elections.
Source: Ballotpedia News
In Florida, the required statewide early-voting period runs October 24 to 31, and counties may also offer October 19 to 23 and November 1, according to state deadline guides. Florida's deadline to request a mailed ballot was 5 p.m. on October 22, and a voted mail ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on November 3 to count.
Source: Black Cultural News / state deadline guides
Michigan's statewide early voting runs October 24 through November 1. Every Michigan community must offer at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting, with a minimum of eight hours available each day, the nonpartisan Voting Access for All guide says. Michigan voters can request a mail ballot online or by mail until October 30, or in person until November 2, and can register in person until November 3, Ballotpedia says.
Source: Voting Access for All
New Jersey's early voting also runs October 24 through November 1. The last day to request a New Jersey mail ballot by mail or online is October 27, and in person until November 2, Ballotpedia says.
New York's nine-day early-voting window runs October 24 through November 1. Saturday was also New York's voter registration deadline and its last day to request a ballot by mail or online; an in-person request can be made until November 2, Ballotpedia says.
More openings follow in the coming days: the District of Columbia begins early voting on October 26, Oklahoma on October 28 and Kentucky on October 29, Ballotpedia says. Hours and locations vary by county in every state, so voters should confirm their assigned early-voting site and hours with their county election office or state voter portal before going.
For diaspora families balancing work, trucking routes and family schedules, the early window is the practical route to avoid Election Day lines — but the ballot rules, ID requirements and deadlines are set state by state, and a mail ballot that arrives after its state's deadline will not count.