Stories
Can I Vote Early in a Primary Election?
Linda and Dennis Murray
Voters may be able to come to the polls in advance of a primary election day to select the candidate they’d like major parties to nominate for office in their state. The polling locations and hours of operation may be different from the general election, so it’s important to check details before heading out to cast ballots.
Early Voting in General Elections and Primary Elections
Early in-person voting is a period of time in which any eligible citizen can vote in advance of a scheduled election day. No excuse is needed. The voting period can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in duration. Early voting differs from in-person absentee voting in that voters do not have to fill out a request or sign the ballot at their election site.
The only states that do not participate in early voting in the United States are Alabama, Delaware, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. Forty-six states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands currently offer early voting in the general elections through which voters elect candidates to office.
What about the primary elections that state political parties hold to select the candidates who will ultimately appear on the general election ballot as endorsed party candidates? Do states also offer early voting for the primary elections as well? Yes, you may be eligible to mark your selection during an early voting period in both open primaries and closed primaries depending on the rules of your state.
Meet Linda and Dennis Murray: Early Voters in Rhode Island
Linda and Dennis Murray have deep roots in Rhode Island. With property, careers, children and grandchildren in their community, Linda and Dennis are invested in the civic health of the Ocean State. Both voted early in Rhode Island’s primary election in 2024. The Murrays share their experience with U.S. Vote Foundation (US Vote) to help familiarize other citizens with this method of voting in primary elections.
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What informed your decision to vote early in the primary this year?
Linda and Dennis Murray
Ever since early voting was made possible in Rhode Island I have taken advantage and voted early whenever I could. Other times I have chosen to use a mail-in ballot. I find both methods safe and convenient and I am able to avoid standing in lines. More importantly, I want to make sure my vote is received and counted and do not want to risk leaving it to a one-and-only day - just in case.
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Could you describe your experience voting early in the latest primary? Walk us through the process from arrival to exit.
Linda and Dennis Murray
Drove to the voting facility and had many empty parking spaces available that were convenient to the main entrance. Entered the facility where there was no line. Identified myself to the person checking identification and provided the name of the party primary I was voting in. Received my ballot. Filled out my choice of candidates. Placed the ballot in the voting machine to be counted and recorded. Exited the facility. The voting process was fast and efficient. The total time expended was 15 minutes.
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In what ways has your experience voting early been similar to voting on an official election day?
Linda and Dennis Murray
Since Rhode Island allowed early voting during the 20 days leading up to Election Day the experience has been the same - GREAT!!!
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And how about the differences - how is early voting different from voting on an official election day?
Linda and Dennis Murray
The only difference is in the reduced stress and possible inconvenience the voter may experience getting to the polling location on the appointed day and time.
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Do you think there are any drawbacks to voting early?
Linda and Dennis Murray
NO!!! Nada!!!! Nyet!!!!
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Would you vote early again in the future?
Linda and Dennis Murray
Yes, ALWAYS!!!
Early voters like Linda and Dennis might find US Vote’s Voter Accounts handy. They can sign up for reminders to let them know the exact dates, times, and locations for early voting in their voting precinct for primary elections and general elections. Having a Voter Account is like having a Voter Valet to get reminders, access election officials, and store voter information. These accounts are private and secure. Easy to make and quick to use, you can rely on US Vote to make sure you are prepared for each election.
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