Exciting state and local elections are quickly approaching, which is why it’s more important than ever to remind voters about the power of early voting. 

Voting early — either in person or by mail — gives you more flexibility to cast your ballot at a time that works best for you, making sure your ballot is submitted on time. If you encounter issues, such as not having the proper identification or going to the wrong polling place, you have plenty of time to resolve the problem and vote. Early voting also helps you avoid unexpected barriers and last-minute issues that could prevent you from voting. We’ve seen even well-planned efforts to vote on Election Day fall apart when problems happen.

Early Voting is Safe, Secure
Most importantly, early voting has been proven to be secure, backed by decades of successful use and rigorous safeguards. The entire process—from mailing to counting—is overseen by officials from both parties, with transparency, systematic checks, and public observation built in. States such as Oregon and Colorado have utilized universal vote-by-mail systems for years, with proven success and virtually no reported fraud, the Washington Post reported.

Despite politically motivated claims, studies consistently show that voter fraud through mail-in voting is extremely rare, occurring at rates between 0.00004% and 0.0009%, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan law and policy institute. When you consider that nearly 45 million voters cast their ballots by mail in the 2024 election, it is clear that voting by mail is a secure, effective, and accessible way for voters to make their voices heard.

Despite false claims and political rhetoric aimed at sowing doubt, multiple studies and investigations have consistently confirmed that vote-by-mail is a safe and trustworthy method, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which works to  advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all.

Vote Early Day Empowers Voters
In the face of these facts, it’s crucial not only to highlight the facts about all early voting options, but also to actively promote early participation — and that’s where initiatives like Vote Early Day play a key role.

Celebrated nationally this year on Oct. 28, Vote Early Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday designed to empower voters with the information they need to cast their ballot ahead of time. It’s more than a date. It’s a movement to ensure that work schedules, family responsibilities, transportation issues, or last-minute emergencies don’t become barriers to participation.

This year, thousands of nonprofits, businesses, campus groups, election leaders, and other voting advocates are taking part in this nonpartisan day of action for our democracy, encouraging Americans to vote early in state and local elections nationwide. Through their fun and engaging activities, such as parties at the polls, marches to encourage voting, educational events, voter outreach phone calls, door-to-door visits, online campaigns, and more, they will lower barriers to participation in our democracy and ensure that more people have their voices heard this fall.

Make a Plan
Participating in Vote Early Day helps raise awareness and boost turnout. It provides voters with tools, connects them to resources, and encourages them to create a plan to vote early and follow through. When we vote early, we vote with confidence. And we send a clear message that our democracy is stronger when more people participate in the process.

You can learn more about how you can participate in Vote Early Day by visiting www.VoteEarlyDay.org, where you can access tools to celebrate, find out where you can vote early, and make your plan to cast your ballot.

This year, local leaders such as mayors, city council members, school board trustees, judges, and other community figures will be on the ballot. These races, which are closest to the people, have a greater impact on our daily lives, even if they don’t garner the same attention as statewide and national elections like we saw last year. Often, these contests can be decided by just a few votes, making your voice more powerful than ever.

Spread the Word and Vote Early
Don’t miss your chance to share your voice this fall. Vote early, either by mail or in person, and give yourself the gift of time, flexibility, and peace of mind. Talk to your neighbors, share trustworthy information, and help eliminate barriers to voting. With your help, millions of voters will turn out to cast their ballots this fall. Vote early, bring a friend, and help our democracy thrive.

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