Ballot Watch · 2026
Your ballot has a schedule. Here it is.
Mail-ballot send dates, registration deadlines, return rules, and early-voting windows for all fifty states and DC — each fact linked to the office that set it, alongside a documented record of the government actions changing how Americans vote this year.
4days until the first mail ballotsAlabama · September 9, 2026
The countdown
What happens between now and Election Day
September
- Alabamabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Wisconsinbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Arkansasbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Idahobegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Idahoearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Kentuckybegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- Minnesotabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Minnesotaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- New Yorkbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- South Dakotabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- South Dakotaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Virginiabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Virginiaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- West Virginiabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Indianabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Mississippibegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- New Jerseybegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Oklahomabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Marylandbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Vermontbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Vermontearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Missouribegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Floridabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Illinoisbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Illinoisearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Michiganbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- North Dakotabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- North Dakotaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- District of Columbiabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Nebraskabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- New Hampshirebegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
October
- Coloradobegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Connecticutbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Alaskavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Massachusettsbegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- Rhode Islandvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- South Carolinabegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- Tennesseebegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- Arizonavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Arkansasvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Californiabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Californiaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Floridavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Georgiabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Georgiavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Indianavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Kentuckyvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Mainebegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Maineearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Mississippivoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Montanavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Montanaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Nebraskaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Nevadabegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- Ohiovoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- South Carolinavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Tennesseevoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Texasbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Texasvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Indianaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- New Mexicobegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- New Mexicovoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- New Mexicoearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Ohiobegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Ohioearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Wyomingbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Wyomingearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Arizonabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Arizonaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Missourivoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Alaskabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Montanabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- North Carolinavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Oklahomavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Delawarevoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Georgiaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Kansasvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Louisianavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Marylandvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Minnesotavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- New Jerseyvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Oregonvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Utahbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- West Virginiavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Iowabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Iowaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Kansasbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Kansasearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Oregonbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Rhode Islandearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Tennesseeearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- North Carolinaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Connecticutvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Hawaiibegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Washingtonbegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Washingtonearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Massachusettsearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Nevadaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Illinoisvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Alabamavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Alaskaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Arkansasearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Californiavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Coloradoearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Connecticutearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Iowavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Pennsylvaniavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- South Carolinaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- South Dakotavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Texasearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Wyomingvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Hawaiiearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Louisianaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Missouriearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Oregonearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Pennsylvaniabegins sending mail ballotsdetails ↓
- Pennsylvaniaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Utahearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Wisconsinearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Louisianabegins sending mail ballots (approximate)details ↓
- New Hampshirevoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- West Virginiaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Delawareearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Marylandearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Idahovoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Nebraskavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Utahvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Virginiavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Floridaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Massachusettsvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Michiganearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- New Jerseyearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- New Yorkvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- New Yorkearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- District of Columbiavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- District of Columbiaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Oklahomaearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Kentuckyearly in-person voting beginsdetails ↓
- Wisconsinvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
November
- Coloradovoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Hawaiivoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Mainevoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Michiganvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Nevadavoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Vermontvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Washingtonvoter-registration deadlinedetails ↓
- Election Daypolls open in every state
State by state
How voting works where you live
AlabamaMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Wed, Sep 9
Registration deadlineOctober 19, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 9, 2026Excuse required. Absentee ballots must be ready 55 days before Election Day (Sept. 9, 2026) and are mailed to approved applicants as applications are processed; NCSL separately lists a 45-day mailing rule. Mail application must be received by Oct. 27 (7 days out); in-person application by Oct. 29.
Return ruleMust be received by noon on Election Day
In-person absentee (excuse required)September 9, 2026through October 29, 2026 · No traditional early voting; excuse-required in-person absentee voting at the absentee election manager's office from Sept. 9 through Oct. 29, 2026.
Official AL election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting period begins Sept. 9, 2026 (date ballots must be ready; Ala. Code 17-11-12); early in-person window Sept. 9-Oct. 29[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline[6] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed
AlaskaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Oct 9
Registration deadlineOctober 4, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 4, 2026 (30 days before). Same-day registration applies to presidential races only, not the 2026 midterm.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 24, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 9, 2026By-mail ballots are sent starting 25 days before Election Day (Oct. 9, 2026). Mail applications must be received by Oct. 24 (10 days out); online/fax applications by 5 p.m. Nov. 2.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 10 days (by Nov. 13, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 19, 2026through November 3, 2026 · Early in-person voting begins 15 days before Election Day at designated locations; hours vary by location.
Official AK election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 9-Nov. 13, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
ArizonaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Wed, Oct 7
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (29 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 7, 2026Early ballots (including the Active Early Voting List) are mailed starting 27 days before Election Day (Oct. 7, 2026; Ariz. Rev. Stat. 16-542). Request deadline 5 p.m. Oct. 23 (11 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 7, 2026through October 30, 2026 · In-person early voting begins the same day early ballots are mailed (27 days before) and runs through the Friday before Election Day; locations vary by county.
Official AZ election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 7-Nov. 3, 2026; early voting Oct. 7-Oct. 30[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
ArkansasMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register in person or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days before). Arkansas has no online voter registration and no same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Excuse-based (voter attests to being unavoidably absent, ill, or disabled). Per the Arkansas SOS 2026 election calendar, county boards deliver ballots to county clerks by Sept. 17 and clerks begin mailing/making absentee ballots available Sept. 18, 2026. Mail application deadline Oct. 27 (7 days out); in-person Oct. 30.
Return ruleMust be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 19, 2026through November 2, 2026 · Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before) and ends 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
Official AR election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Arkansas SOS 2026 election calendar: ballots to clerks Sept. 17; clerks make absentee ballots available/mail Sept. 18, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting period listed from Sept. 17, 2026 (ballot delivery to clerks)[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
CaliforniaBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Mon, Oct 5
Registration deadlineOctober 19, 2026Standard registration (online, in person, or postmarked by mail) closes Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before). After that, same-day 'conditional' registration and provisional voting are available Oct. 20 through Election Day at county offices and vote centers.
Mail ballots first sentOctober 5, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot starting 29 days before Election Day (Oct. 5, 2026; Cal. Elec. Code 3017/4101). No application needed.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 7 days (by Nov. 10, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 5, 2026through November 3, 2026 · In-person early voting available at county elections offices from Oct. 5; additional vote centers open Oct. 24 or Oct. 31 in Voter's Choice Act counties. Varies by county.
Official CA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] All-mail; ballots mailed from Oct. 5, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
ColoradoBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Fri, Oct 2
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Online and in-person registration continue through Nov. 2 and same-day registration is available through Election Day, but you must register by Oct. 26, 2026 to be mailed a ballot; later registrants vote in person.
Mail ballots first sentOctober 2, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot. Counties may begin mailing Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 (the 29th day, Oct. 5, is the Cabrini Day state holiday, so mailing may start the previous Friday) and must mail all packets by Oct. 9 (25 days; C.R.S. 1-7.5-107(3)(a)).
Return ruleMust be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 19, 2026through November 3, 2026 · Voter service and polling centers open beginning Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before) through Election Day; drop boxes open by Oct. 12.
Official CO election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Colorado SOS 2026 election calendar: first day ballots may be mailed (29th day rule with holiday adjustment -> Oct. 2); deadline to send packets Oct. 9; in-person issuance from ~45 days[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
ConnecticutAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Oct 2
Registration deadlineOctober 16, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 16, 2026. Same-day registration is available during early voting (Oct. 19-Nov. 1) and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 2, 2026Connecticut implemented no-excuse absentee voting following the 2024 constitutional amendment; CEIR classifies CT as no-excuse mail voting for 2026. Absentee ballots become available/mailed from Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 (statutory 31st day falls Saturday, Oct. 3). Applications accepted through the day before Election Day.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (8 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 19, 2026through November 1, 2026 · Early in-person voting Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2026 (14 days).
Official CT election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] No-excuse mail voting Oct. 2-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
DelawareMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Fri, Sep 4
Registration deadlineOctober 10, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail by Oct. 10, 2026 (fourth Saturday before the election). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 4, 2026Excuse required (Delaware's constitution limits absentee voting; a court challenge to permanent-absentee status was pending as of Sept. 2026). Ballots must be ready 60 days before the general election (Sept. 4, 2026; 15 Del. C. 5504) and are mailed to approved applicants as processed; the department must mail requested ballots no later than Oct. 30 and can issue in person until noon Nov. 2.
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 22, 2026through November 1, 2026 · Early voting sites open in each county Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 2026, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (later hours vary).
Official DE election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Delaware 2026 election calendar: early voting Oct. 22-Nov. 1; mail-by deadline Oct. 30; issue deadline noon Nov. 2; return 8 p.m. Election Day[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting period from Sept. 4, 2026 (60-day ballot-ready rule)[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
District of ColumbiaBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Mon, Sep 28
Registration deadlineOctober 25, 2026Online/mail registration by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before); in-person at DCBOE through Oct. 25; same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day at vote centers.
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 28, 2026Every registered voter is mailed a ballot automatically. DCBOE's 2026 general election calendar lists Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 (marked tentative) as the day the Board begins mailing ballots to registered voters. An application is needed only to receive a ballot at a different address (by Oct. 19).
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 13, 2026 (10 days)
Early in-person votingOctober 26, 2026through November 1, 2026 · Early vote centers open Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2026; ballot drop boxes open from Oct. 9.
Official DC election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] DCBOE 2026 General Election calendar (rev. 1/26/2026): Board begins mailing ballots Sept. 28 (tentative); mailed-ballot receipt deadline Nov. 13; registration deadlines[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] All-mail; mail voting from Sept. 28, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
FloridaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Thu, Sep 24
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (29 days before). No same-day registration. Vote-by-mail requests must be renewed each general-election cycle under 2021/2023 law changes.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 22, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 24, 2026Supervisors must mail domestic vote-by-mail ballots between the 40th and 33rd day before Election Day (Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2026; Fla. Stat. 101.62); UOCAVA ballots go out by Sept. 19. Requests received by 5 p.m. Oct. 22 (12 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 24, 2026through October 31, 2026 · Counties must offer early voting Oct. 24-31, 2026 and may offer it Oct. 19-Nov. 1; varies by county.
Official FL election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Florida Division of Elections dates page; domestic VBM send window Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2026 (also published by county supervisors, e.g. Duval)[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 24-Oct. 1 send window[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
GeorgiaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Mon, Oct 5
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (29 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 5, 2026Absentee ballots are mailed to applicants beginning 29 to 25 days before Election Day (Oct. 5-9, 2026; O.C.G.A. 21-2-384). Applications must be received by Oct. 23 (11 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 13, 2026through October 30, 2026 · Early voting begins the fourth Monday before Election Day (Oct. 13, 2026, following the Oct. 12 holiday) and runs through Oct. 30, including two Saturdays; Sunday voting varies by county.
Official GA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 5-9 send window; early voting Oct. 13-30[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
HawaiiBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Fri, Oct 16
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Online registration through Nov. 2; mail/in-person advance registration by Oct. 26, 2026. Same-day registration at voter service centers Oct. 20-Nov. 3. Register by about Oct. 24 (10 days out) to be mailed a ballot.
Mail ballots first sentOctober 16, 2026Every registered voter is mailed a ballot; ballots must reach voters no later than 18 days before Election Day (by Oct. 16, 2026; HRS 11-102), so counties mail during the preceding week. No application needed.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through November 3, 2026 · Voter service centers open Oct. 20-Nov. 3, 2026 for in-person voting and same-day registration; locations vary by county.
Official HI election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] All-mail; ballots in hand by Oct. 16, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
IdahoAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 23, 2026Advance registration (online, mail received, or in person) by Oct. 23, 2026 (11 days before). Same-day registration with proof of residence during in-person absentee voting and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Mail ballots become available about 45 days out and are sent as applications are processed beginning Sept. 18, 2026 (per CEIR, based on correspondence with the Idaho SOS, May 2026). Request deadline 5 p.m. Oct. 23 (11 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingSeptember 18, 2026through October 30, 2026 · In-person absentee voting at county clerk offices from Sept. 18 through Oct. 30, 2026; some counties additionally offer early voting from Oct. 13. Varies by county.
Official ID election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting from Sept. 18, 2026; includes email correspondence with Idaho SOS (May 7, 2026)[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
IllinoisAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Thu, Sep 24
Registration deadlineOctober 18, 2026Mail registration postmarked by Oct. 6; online by Oct. 18, 2026. Grace-period/same-day registration in person continues from Sept. 24 through Election Day at designated locations.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 29, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 24, 2026Election authorities begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots Sept. 24, 2026 (40 days before; 10 ILCS 5/19-4). Mail applications must be received by Oct. 29 (5 days out); in-person requests through Nov. 2.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days (by Nov. 17, 2026)
Early in-person votingSeptember 24, 2026through November 2, 2026 · Early voting at permanent locations begins Sept. 24, 2026 (40 days before) and runs through Nov. 2; additional sites open later. Varies by election authority.
Official IL election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Illinois State Board of Elections vote-by-mail page; first mailing date Sept. 24, 2026 (confirmed by county clerks, e.g. Madison County announcement)[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 24-Nov. 17, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
IndianaMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Sat, Sep 19
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (29 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 22, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 19, 2026Mail-in absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (in-person early voting is no-excuse). Ballots are mailed to approved applicants beginning 45 days before Election Day (Sept. 19, 2026; Ind. Code 3-11-4-15). Applications must be received by Oct. 22 (12 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 6 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 6, 2026through November 2, 2026 · No-excuse in-person absentee voting at the county clerk's office Oct. 6-Nov. 2, 2026 (ends at noon Nov. 2).
Official IN election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting from Sept. 19, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
IowaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Wed, Oct 14
Registration deadlineOctober 19, 2026Advance registration (online, in person, or mail postmarked) by Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before). Same-day registration with ID at early-voting sites and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 19, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 14, 2026County auditors mail absentee ballots starting 20 days before Election Day (Oct. 14, 2026; Iowa Code 53.8). Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 19 (15 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (8 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 14, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person absentee voting at county auditor offices Oct. 14-Nov. 2, 2026 (20 days); satellite sites vary by county.
Official IA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 14-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
KansasAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Wed, Oct 14
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 14, 2026Advance ballots are mailed starting 20 days before Election Day (Oct. 14, 2026; K.S.A. 25-1123). Applications must be received by Tuesday, Oct. 27 (7 days out).
Return ruleIn litigation: a 2025 law requires receipt by close of polls on Election Day, but Kansas courts temporarily restored the 3-day postmark grace period for 2026. Officials urge returning ballots by Election Day.
Early in-person votingOctober 14, 2026through November 2, 2026 · Advance in-person voting may begin as early as Oct. 14, 2026 and must be offered from Oct. 27 through noon Nov. 2; varies by county.
Official KS election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 14-Nov. 3, 2026 (received-by-Election-Day deadline reflects 2025 law change)[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
KentuckyMail voting requires an excuseballots mail ~Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (29 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 20, 2026
Mail ballots first sentAbout September 18, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (request via govote.ky.gov portal through 11:59 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2026). County clerks begin mailing ballots to approved applicants in mid-to-late September; CEIR lists Sept. 18, 2026 as the start of the mail-voting period. Treat the exact first-mail date as approximate.
Return ruleMust be received by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 29, 2026through October 31, 2026 · No-excuse early in-person voting Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31, 2026; excuse-based in-person absentee voting available earlier at county clerk discretion.
Official KY election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 5, 2026.Sources: [1] Kentucky State Board of Elections: portal deadline Oct. 20, 2026 11:59 p.m. ET; ballots mailed when ready (mid-to-late September); return by 6 p.m. Election Day[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting from Sept. 18, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
LouisianaMail voting requires an excuseballots mail ~Wed, Oct 21
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Register in person or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5; online via GeauxVote by Oct. 13, 2026. No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 30, 2026
Mail ballots first sentAbout October 21, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (65+, disabled, absent from parish, etc.). Ballots are mailed to approved applicants beginning about Oct. 21, 2026 per CEIR's 2026 compilation; applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 (4 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 4:30 p.m. the day before Election Day (Nov. 2, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through October 27, 2026 · Early voting Oct. 20-27, 2026 (excluding Sunday), 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at parish registrar offices and designated sites.
Official LA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting Oct. 21-Nov. 2, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MaineAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Mon, Oct 5
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Online/mail registration by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before); in-person registration at town offices continues through Election Day (same-day registration).
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 29, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 5, 2026Absentee ballots are available and mailed from about 30 days before Election Day (Oct. 5, 2026; 21-A M.R.S. 752). Request by Oct. 29 (3 business days out) absent special circumstances.
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 5, 2026through October 29, 2026 · In-person absentee voting at municipal clerk offices from about Oct. 5 through Oct. 29, 2026 (3 business days before); hours vary by municipality.
Official ME election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 5-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MarylandAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Mon, Sep 21
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Advance registration (online, in person, or mail postmarked) by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before). Same-day registration with proof of residence during early voting (Oct. 22-29) and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 21, 2026Mail-in ballots begin going out once printed, on Sept. 21, 2026 (43 days before; Md. Elec. Law 9-306, confirmed by Montgomery County BOE). Mailed/faxed requests due Oct. 27; online portal requests through Oct. 30.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received by 10 a.m. Nov. 13, 2026
Early in-person votingOctober 22, 2026through October 29, 2026 · Early voting centers open Oct. 22-29, 2026, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Official MD election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Montgomery County (Md.) Board of Elections: general-election mail ballots begin mailing Sept. 21, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 21-Nov. 13, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MassachusettsAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail ~Sun, Oct 4
Registration deadlineOctober 24, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 24, 2026 (10 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentAbout October 4, 2026Vote-by-mail ballots must be ready about 30 days out (Oct. 4, 2026) and are mailed as applications are processed; the state mails applications to all registered voters. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 27 (5th business day before).
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received by 5 p.m. Nov. 6, 2026
Early in-person votingOctober 17, 2026through October 30, 2026 · In-person early voting Oct. 17-30, 2026, including two weekends; hours and sites vary by municipality.
Official MA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 4-Nov. 6, 2026 (start reflects when ballots must be ready)[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MichiganAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Thu, Sep 24
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Online/mail registration by Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before); in-person registration with proof of residency at your city/township clerk continues through Election Day (same-day registration from Sept. 24).
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 30, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 24, 2026Absentee ballots are available and begin mailing 40 days before Election Day (Sept. 24, 2026; Mich. Const. art. II sec. 4). Online/mail requests by 5 p.m. Oct. 30; in-person at clerk through 4 p.m. Nov. 2. Permanent mail ballot list available.
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 24, 2026through November 1, 2026 · Statewide early voting period Oct. 24-Nov. 1, 2026 (9 days, may extend to Nov. 2 locally); in-person absentee voting at clerk offices from Sept. 24. Varies by community.
Official MI election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Michigan SOS 2026 election dates: absentee ballots available Sept. 24, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 24-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MinnesotaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Advance registration (online, in person, or received by mail) by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before). Same-day registration with proof of residence during in-person absentee voting and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Absentee voting by mail and in person begins 46 days before Election Day (Friday, Sept. 18, 2026; Minn. Stat. 203B). Mail applications accepted until the day before the election, but request early enough to receive and return the ballot.
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingSeptember 18, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person absentee voting begins Sept. 18, 2026 (46 days before); direct-balloting early voting (ballot goes into the counter) from Oct. 16 through Nov. 2.
Official MN election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Minnesota SOS: absentee voting for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election begins Sept. 18, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 18-Nov. 3, 2026; includes MN SOS correspondence (May 2026)[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MississippiMail voting requires an excuseballots mail ~Sat, Sep 19
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register in person or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days before). No online registration and no same-day registration.
Mail ballots first sentAbout September 19, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (65+, disability, temporarily absent, etc.). CEIR lists the mail-voting period starting Sept. 19, 2026 (45 days out); NCSL cites a 40-day statutory mailing rule, and clerks send ballots as applications are processed. There is no fixed application deadline; apply early enough to return the ballot by mail.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 5 business days (by Nov. 10, 2026)
In-person absentee (excuse required)September 21, 2026through October 31, 2026 · No traditional early voting; excuse-required in-person absentee voting at circuit clerk offices from about Sept. 21 through Oct. 31, 2026 (including final Saturdays).
Official MS election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting Sept. 19-Nov. 10, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MissouriMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Tue, Sep 22
Registration deadlineOctober 7, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 7, 2026 (fourth Wednesday before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 21, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 22, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse. Absentee voting (including mailing of ballots to approved applicants) begins six weeks before Election Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 (Mo. Rev. Stat. 115.302). Mail applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 21 (second Wednesday before).
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through November 2, 2026 · No-excuse in-person absentee voting at election-authority offices during the final two weeks (Oct. 20-Nov. 2, 2026); excuse-based in-person absentee from Sept. 22.
Official MO election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Greene County (Mo.) election authority: absentee voting for the Nov. 3, 2026 general begins Sept. 22, 2026; no-excuse period opens Oct. 20[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Excuse-required mail voting Sept. 22-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
MontanaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Oct 9
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Advance registration by mail (postmarked Oct. 5, received Oct. 8) or in person by Oct. 5, 2026; no online registration. Late/same-day registration at county election offices Oct. 5 through Election Day (a 2025 law curtailing Election Day registration was preliminarily enjoined in May 2026).
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 9, 2026Absentee ballots are mailed starting 25 days before Election Day (Oct. 9, 2026; MCA 13-13-205). Most Montana voters are on the permanent absentee list. Applications accepted until noon Nov. 2.
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 5, 2026through November 3, 2026 · In-person absentee/early voting at county election offices from Oct. 5, 2026 through Election Day.
Official MT election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 9-Nov. 3, 2026; includes MT SOS correspondence (May 2026)[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
NebraskaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Mon, Sep 28
Registration deadlineOctober 23, 2026Online/mail registration by Oct. 16 (postmarked); in-person registration at the county election office through 6 p.m. Oct. 23, 2026. No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 28, 2026Counties must have early-voting ballots ready and begin mailing Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 (35 days; Neb. Rev. Stat. 32-808). Written requests must be received by close of business Friday, Oct. 23 (second Friday before).
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (8 p.m. CT) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 5, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person early voting at county election offices begins Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days) and ends Nov. 2.
Official NE election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Nebraska SOS 2026 election calendar: ballots ready for mailing Sept. 28, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 28-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
NevadaBallot mailed to every voterballots mail ~Mon, Oct 5
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Online registration through Nov. 2 and same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day; mail/in-person advance registration by Oct. 6, 2026. Register by Oct. 20 to be mailed a ballot; later registrants vote in person.
Mail ballots first sentAbout October 5, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot unless they opt out (opt-out deadline Sept. 4, 2026). Counties mail during the Oct. 5-12, 2026 window per CEIR; statute requires mailing to voters registered by then no later than 20 days out (NRS 293.269911). Exact county mail dates vary.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received by 5 p.m. Nov. 7, 2026
Early in-person votingOctober 17, 2026through October 30, 2026 · In-person early voting Oct. 17-30, 2026; sites and hours vary by county.
Official NV election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Nevada SOS 2026 election information (all-mail; early voting Oct. 17-30; opt-out rules)[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] All-mail; counties mail Oct. 5-12, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
New HampshireMail voting requires an excuseballots mail ~Tue, Sep 29
Registration deadlineOctober 21, 2026Advance registration in person with your town/city clerk by Oct. 21-28, 2026 depending on jurisdiction (no online or standard mail registration). Same-day registration at the polls on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentAbout September 29, 2026Absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (absence, disability, religious observance, work). There is no statutory mail-out start date; clerks typically receive printed ballots five to six weeks before Election Day, and CEIR lists Sept. 29, 2026 as the start of the mail-voting period (per NH SOS correspondence, May 2026). Applications accepted until the day before the election in most towns.
Return ruleMust be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day
In-person absentee (excuse required)September 29, 2026through November 2, 2026 · No traditional early voting; excuse-required in-person absentee voting at town/city clerk offices once ballots are available (typically from late September).
Official NH election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting from Sept. 29, 2026; NH SOS correspondence May 21, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
New JerseyAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Sat, Sep 19
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (received) by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 19, 2026County clerks begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots 45 days before Election Day (Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026; N.J.S.A. 19:63-9), confirmed by county announcements. Mail applications must be received by Oct. 27 (7 days out); in-person requests through 3 p.m. Nov. 2. Voters on the permanent VBM list are sent ballots automatically.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 144 hours (by Nov. 9, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 24, 2026through November 1, 2026 · In-person early voting on machines Oct. 24-Nov. 1, 2026; voters can also vote a mail ballot in person at the county clerk's office once ballots are available.
Official NJ election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 5, 2026.Sources: [1] NJ Division of Elections vote-by-mail; 45-day mailing (county clerks, e.g. Burlington and Morris, announced Sept. 19, 2026 start)[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 19-Nov. 9, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
New MexicoAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Tue, Oct 6
Registration deadlineOctober 6, 2026Standard registration (online, in person, or mail postmarked Oct. 6/received Oct. 9) closes Oct. 6, 2026 (28 days before). Same-day registration with ID at county clerk offices and early-voting sites Oct. 6-31 and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 20, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 6, 2026Absentee ballots are mailed starting 28 days before Election Day (Oct. 6, 2026; NMSA 1-6-5). Applications must be received by Oct. 20 (14 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 6, 2026through October 31, 2026 · Early voting at county clerk offices Oct. 6-31, 2026; expanded alternate sites open Oct. 17. Varies by county.
Official NM election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 6-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
New YorkAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 24, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (received) by Oct. 24, 2026 (10 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 24, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Any voter may request an early mail ballot (2023 law); traditional absentee ballots still require an excuse. County boards begin mailing general-election ballots Sept. 18, 2026 (about 46 days out; N.Y. Elec. Law 8-406/8-700, confirmed by county boards such as Orange County). Online/mail requests by Oct. 24 (10 days out); in-person through Nov. 2.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 7 days (by Nov. 10, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 24, 2026through November 1, 2026 · In-person early voting Oct. 24-Nov. 1, 2026; sites and hours set by county boards.
Official NY election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Orange County (N.Y.) Board of Elections: first mailing of general-election ballots Sept. 18, 2026[2] NYS Board of Elections: early mail and absentee ballot request rules and deadlines[3] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[4] Mail voting Sept. 18-Nov. 10, 2026[5] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
North CarolinaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Sep 4
Registration deadlineOctober 9, 2026Regular registration (online via DMV, in person, or postmarked mail) by 5 p.m. Oct. 9, 2026 (25 days before). Same-day registration available during early voting Oct. 15-31.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 20, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 4, 2026First state to send ballots: county boards must begin distributing absentee ballots 60 days before the general election, on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 (G.S. 163-227.10), to voters with requests on file (including military/overseas). Requests due 5 p.m. Oct. 20 (two Tuesdays before). Return postage costs $1.98 in 2026.
Return ruleMust be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 15, 2026through October 31, 2026 · In-person early voting (one-stop) Oct. 15-31, 2026, ending 3 p.m. on the final Saturday; sites vary by county.
Official NC election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 5, 2026.Sources: [1] NCSBE official 2026 general election dates: ballots distributed from Sept. 4; registration Oct. 9; request deadline Oct. 20; early voting Oct. 15-31; return 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 4-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
North DakotaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Thu, Sep 24
Registration deadlineNorth Dakota has no voter registration; bring valid ID showing name, current residential address, and date of birth (proof of citizenship required to obtain the ID).
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 24, 2026Absentee/mail ballots are sent to applicants beginning 40 days before Election Day (Sept. 24, 2026; N.D.C.C. 16.1-07-04). No fixed application deadline - apply 'in a timely manner' so the ballot can be received and returned. Several counties conduct elections primarily by mail.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls on Election Day
Early in-person votingSeptember 24, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person absentee voting from Sept. 24, 2026; counties may offer dedicated early voting from Oct. 19 through Nov. 2. Varies by county.
Official ND election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Sept. 24-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
OhioAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Tue, Oct 6
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 6, 2026Absentee ballots are mailed to applicants starting Oct. 6, 2026 (the day after the registration deadline; ORC 3509.01), the same day early voting begins; UOCAVA ballots go out from Sept. 18. Applications must be received by close of business Oct. 27 (7 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (4-day postmark grace period eliminated in 2025)
Early in-person votingOctober 6, 2026through November 1, 2026 · In-person early voting at county board offices Oct. 6-Nov. 1, 2026, including the final weekend.
Official OH election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Ohio SOS: absentee mailing/early voting begin Oct. 6, 2026; request deadline Oct. 27; received-by-7:30 p.m. Election Day rule[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Oct. 6-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
OklahomaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Sat, Sep 19
Registration deadlineOctober 9, 2026Register by mail (postmarked) or in person by Oct. 9, 2026 (25 days before); online registration available for existing DMV-verified voters. No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 19, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 19, 2026County election boards mail absentee ballots to voters with requests on file beginning about 45 days before Election Day (Sept. 19, 2026; 26 O.S. 14-118). Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 (third Monday before).
Return ruleMust be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 28, 2026through October 31, 2026 · In-person early voting Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 28-31, 2026 at county election boards and designated sites.
Official OK election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 5, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Sept. 19-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
OregonBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Wed, Oct 14
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before) to receive a ballot for this election. Oregon has automatic DMV registration; no same-day registration.
Mail ballots first sentOctober 14, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot; counties mail between 20 and 14 days before Election Day (Oct. 14-20, 2026; ORS 254.470). Out-of-state and military/overseas ballots go out earlier.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 7 days (by Nov. 10, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through November 3, 2026 · All-mail state; in-person assistance and voting at county elections offices, required from Oct. 20 (some counties from Oct. 14) through Election Day. Drop sites open by Oct. 16.
Official OR election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] All-mail; ballots mailed Oct. 14-20, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
PennsylvaniaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Tue, Oct 20
Registration deadlineOctober 19, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (received) by Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 27, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 20, 2026Counties send mail ballots as soon as they are finalized and must begin by Oct. 20, 2026 (the second Tuesday before; 25 P.S. 3146.5); in practice many counties start mailing from late September/early October as ballots are certified - varies by county. Counties begin processing applications Sept. 14. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 27 (7 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through October 27, 2026 · No traditional early voting; voters may apply for, complete, and cast a mail ballot in person at county election offices once ballots are ready - required by Oct. 20 but often earlier; varies by county.
Official PA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting no later than Oct. 20, 2026; may begin earlier by county[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
Rhode IslandAny voter can request a mail ballot
Registration deadlineOctober 4, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 4, 2026 (30 days before); local boards may designate a location since the deadline falls on a Sunday. Election-day registration only for presidential elections.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 13, 2026
Mail ballots first sentNo fixed statutory date for first domestic mailing: local boards certify applications (by Oct. 16) and the state mails ballots as they become available; UOCAVA ballots go out by Sept. 19, 2026, and CEIR lists Sept. 19 as the start of the mail-voting period. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. Oct. 13 (21 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 14, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person emergency mail-ballot/early voting period at local boards of canvassers Oct. 14-Nov. 2, 2026.
Official RI election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] RI SOS 2026 election calendar: mail-ballot application deadline Oct. 13; certification Oct. 16; early/emergency period Oct. 14-Nov. 2; receipt by 8 p.m. Nov. 3[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting listed from Sept. 19, 2026 (45-day availability)[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
South CarolinaMail voting requires an excuseballots mail ~Sun, Oct 4
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026; online and email by Oct. 4; in person by Oct. 2-4 depending on county office hours. No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentAbout October 4, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (in-person early voting is no-excuse). Absentee ballots are mailed to approved applicants from about 30 days before Election Day (Oct. 4, 2026, per SC election officials/CEIR). Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 23 (11 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 19, 2026through October 31, 2026 · No-excuse in-person early voting Oct. 19-31, 2026 (excluding Sundays).
Official SC election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting Oct. 4-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
South DakotaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 19, 2026Register in person or by mail (received) by Oct. 19, 2026 (15 days before). No online registration and no same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Absentee voting begins 46 days before Election Day (Friday, Sept. 18, 2026; SDCL 12-19-1.2); ballots are mailed to applicants from that date. Written applications accepted until 5 p.m. the day before the election.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls on Election Day
Early in-person votingSeptember 18, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person absentee voting at county auditor offices from Sept. 18, 2026 (46 days) until 5 p.m. Nov. 2.
Official SD election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] South Dakota SOS 2026 election information: absentee voting begins Sept. 18, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 18-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
TennesseeMail voting requires an excuseballots mail ~Sun, Oct 4
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 24, 2026
Mail ballots first sentAbout October 4, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (60+, illness, absence from county, etc.). Counties mail ballots to approved applicants as processed once ballots are ready about 30 days out (Oct. 4, 2026, per CEIR). Applications must be received by Oct. 24 (10 days out); request window opened Aug. 5.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 14, 2026through October 29, 2026 · No-excuse in-person early voting Oct. 14-29, 2026.
Official TN election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting Oct. 4-Nov. 3, 2026 (start reflects when ballots must be ready)[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
TexasMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Mon, Oct 5
Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register in person or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days before). No general online registration and no same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 5, 2026Ballot-by-mail requires a qualifying category (65+, disability, expected absence, confinement). Early-voting clerks mail ballots for applications on file starting about 30 days out (Oct. 4 falls on a Sunday; CEIR lists Oct. 5, 2026), and within 7 days for later applications (Tex. Elec. Code 86.004). Applications must be received by Oct. 23 (11 days out).
Return rulePostmarked by 7 p.m. Election Day and received by 5 p.m. Nov. 4, 2026
Early in-person votingOctober 19, 2026through October 30, 2026 · In-person early voting Oct. 19-30, 2026 (starts the 17th day, adjusted from the weekend, ends the 4th day before).
Official TX election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting Oct. 5-Nov. 4, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
UtahBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Tue, Oct 13
Registration deadlineOctober 23, 2026Advance registration (online, in person, or received by mail) by Oct. 23, 2026 (11 days before). Same-day registration with provisional ballot during early voting and on Election Day.
Mail ballots first sentOctober 13, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot starting 21 days before Election Day (Oct. 13, 2026; Utah Code 20A-3a-202). 2025's HB 300 phases in an opt-in system by 2029 and now requires ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (no postmark grace).
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (postmark grace period eliminated by 2025 law)
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through November 2, 2026 · Early voting offered at county discretion within the 14 days before Election Day (minimum 4 days, ending by about Oct. 30 in most counties, up to Nov. 2); varies by county.
Official UT election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] All-mail; ballots mailed from Oct. 13, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
VermontBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Mon, Sep 21
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail through Nov. 2, 2026, and same-day registration on Election Day; register more than 5 days out (by about Oct. 29) to be mailed a ballot.
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 21, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a general-election ballot automatically; the SOS mails ballots in late September so all voters have them by Oct. 1, 2026 (window Sept. 21-Oct. 1; 17 V.S.A. 2537a). No application needed.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingSeptember 21, 2026through November 2, 2026 · Early/absentee voting at town clerk offices once ballots are available (from Sept. 21) through Nov. 2; a mailed ballot can also be dropped off at the polls on Election Day.
Official VT election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Vermont SOS: general-election ballots mailed to all active voters starting late September; all delivered by Oct. 1[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] All-mail; ballots mailed Sept. 21-Oct. 1, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
VirginiaAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 23, 2026Advance registration (online, in person, or postmarked mail) by Oct. 23, 2026 (22 days before). After that, same-day registration with a provisional ballot during early voting and on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 23, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Mail ballots go out to applicants starting about 45 days before Election Day - Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 (the statutory 45th day, Sept. 19, falls on a Saturday). Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 23 (11 days out). A 2027 law change will move the post-election receipt deadline to 5 p.m.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received by noon Nov. 6, 2026
Early in-person votingSeptember 18, 2026through October 31, 2026 · In-person early voting at local registrar offices begins Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 (45 days) and ends 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; satellite locations vary.
Official VA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Virginia Dept. of Elections: 45-day early/absentee voting; 2026 start Sept. 18 (also published by localities such as Fairfax County)[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 18-Nov. 6, 2026; includes VA Dept. of Elections correspondence (May 2026)[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
WashingtonBallot mailed to every voterballots mail Fri, Oct 16
Registration deadlineNovember 2, 2026Online/mail registration received by Oct. 26, 2026 (8 days before); in-person registration and same-day registration through 8 p.m. Election Day at voting centers.
Mail ballots first sentOctober 16, 2026Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot at least 18 days before Election Day (by Oct. 16, 2026; RCW 29A.40.070). Drop boxes open when ballots go out.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day (received by Nov. 23, 2026 to count)
Early in-person votingOctober 16, 2026through November 3, 2026 · All-mail state; voting centers open for in-person assistance and voting from Oct. 16 (18 days) through 8 p.m. Election Day.
Official WA election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] All-mail; ballots mailed by Oct. 16, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
West VirginiaMail voting requires an excuseballots mail Fri, Sep 18
Registration deadlineOctober 13, 2026Register online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before). No same-day registration.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 28, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 18, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (illness, disability, absence from county, etc.). County clerks mail ballots to approved applicants beginning 46 days before Election Day (Sept. 18, 2026; W. Va. Code 3-3-5(e)(1)). Applications must be received by Oct. 28 (6 days out).
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received by the start of canvass (Nov. 9, 2026)
Early in-person votingOctober 21, 2026through October 31, 2026 · No-excuse in-person early voting Oct. 21-31, 2026, including Saturdays.
Official WV election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Excuse-required mail voting Sept. 18-Nov. 9, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
WisconsinAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Thu, Sep 17
Registration deadlineOctober 30, 2026Online/mail registration by Oct. 14, 2026 (20 days before); in-person registration at the clerk's office through Oct. 30; same-day registration with proof of residence at the polls on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineOctober 29, 2026
Mail ballots first sentSeptember 17, 2026Municipal clerks must mail absentee ballots to voters with requests on file by the 47th day before a general election - Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 (Wis. Stat. 7.15) - and within one business day for later requests. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 29 (5 days out).
Return ruleMust be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 20, 2026through November 1, 2026 · In-person absentee voting at municipal clerk offices, typically Oct. 20-Nov. 1, 2026; exact days and hours vary by municipality.
Official WI election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] Wisconsin Elections Commission; 47-day statutory mailing deadline for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election falls Sept. 17, 2026[2] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[3] Mail voting Sept. 17-Nov. 3, 2026[4] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[5] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[6] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[7] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
WyomingAny voter can request a mail ballotballots mail Tue, Oct 6
Registration deadlineOctober 19, 2026Advance registration in person or by mail (received) by Oct. 19, 2026 (14 days before); no online registration. Same-day registration during absentee voting and at the polls on Election Day.
Mail-ballot request deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Mail ballots first sentOctober 6, 2026Absentee ballots are mailed starting 28 days before Election Day (Oct. 6, 2026; Wyo. Stat. 22-9-107, as amended in 2025 - the absentee period was shortened from 45 days). Requests accepted until the day before the election.
Return ruleMust be received by close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day
Early in-person votingOctober 6, 2026through November 2, 2026 · In-person absentee voting at county clerk offices Oct. 6-Nov. 2, 2026.
Official WY election site ↗Dates last verified against the official site September 1, 2026.Sources: [1] USA.gov directory of official state election offices[2] Mail voting Oct. 6-Nov. 3, 2026[3] CEIR 2026 voter registration deadlines (June 25, 2026 dataset; per-mode deadlines and same-day registration windows)[4] NCSL Table 7: statutory rule for when absentee/mail ballots are mailed[5] NCSL Table 5: statutory absentee ballot application deadline[6] NCSL Table 11 (updated Dec. 2025): ballot receipt/postmark deadline
Ballot Watch
The record on mail voting, 2025–2026
- Courts
Federal judge pauses new USPS ballot-mail rule; hearing set for September 3
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of Massachusetts granted emergency relief ordering the Postal Service to take no steps for 14 days to implement key parts of its newly finalized ballot-mail rule, after finding challengers likely to show USPS lacked authority to issue it. Plaintiffs include state attorneys general and civil rights organizations; a preliminary-injunction hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026. As of September 1, the rule is on hold for the November 3 midterms.
Ballotpedia News ↗NAACP Legal Defense Fund ↗ACLU ↗ - Courts
Supreme Court stays injunction against mail-voting order in 23-state case
In Trump v. California, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to stay Judge Talwani's injunction that had barred implementing Executive Order 14399 in 23 states and D.C. through Election Day, with the unsigned order indicating the states' claims were premature. Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson dissented; Jackson wrote the stay injects uncertainty into the midterms. A separate court order restricting USPS implementation remained in litigation, and Washington state filed a new suit on August 26.
Supreme Court of the United States ↗SCOTUSblog ↗NBC News ↗ - Agencies
USPS finalizes ballot-mail rule requiring state lists of approved mail voters
The Postal Service filed a final rule, 'Ballot Mail for Federal Elections' (39 CFR part 111), implementing Executive Order 14399. It requires election officials to enroll mail voters through a USPS portal, sets ballot-envelope design standards including a unique ID number per envelope, and states that outbound ballot mailings that do not comply or are addressed to voters not on a state's participation list 'will not be accepted' for delivery. A federal court paused implementation on August 27.
Federal Register (public inspection) ↗U.S. Postal Service ↗Congressional Research Service ↗ - Courts
Kansas courts revive three-day mail-ballot grace period for 2026 elections
A state district judge temporarily blocked Senate Bill 4, the 2025 Kansas law that had eliminated the three-day window for counting mail ballots postmarked by Election Day, and the Kansas Supreme Court left that order in place on July 30 ahead of the August 4 primary. While the case proceeds, ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within three days count. The secretary of state has urged voters not to rely on the grace period for November given the ongoing litigation.
KMUW ↗Ballotpedia News ↗KCTV5 ↗ - Courts
Supreme Court upholds Mississippi grace period for late-arriving mail ballots
In Watson v. Republican National Committee, the Court ruled 5-4 that federal election-day statutes do not bar states from counting mail ballots cast by Election Day but received up to five days later, reversing the Fifth Circuit. Justice Barrett wrote that the statutes set a deadline for voting, not for ballot receipt. The decision preserves post-Election Day receipt laws in roughly 30 states for the 2026 midterms.
Supreme Court of the United States ↗SCOTUSblog ↗Votebeat ↗ - Courts
Judge permanently blocks core of 2026 mail-voting order for the suing states
Judge Indira Talwani granted summary judgment to 23 states and D.C., holding that sections 2 and 3 of Executive Order 14399 violate the Elections and Electors Clauses, the Tenth Amendment's anticommandeering doctrine and the separation of powers, and issued an injunction against implementation through the November election. A related order barred USPS nationwide from carrying out the ballot-delivery provisions; twelve Republican-led states appealed that nationwide halt. The Supreme Court stayed the state-focused injunction on August 24.
Public Rights Project ↗NPR ↗National Constitution Center ↗ - States
Georgia postpones QR-code ballot ban to 2028; current machines stay for November
In a special session called by Gov. Brian Kemp, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 3EX, which Kemp signed in late June (date approximate to the signing week), delaying to January 1, 2028 the 2024 law (SB 189) that would have barred using QR codes to count ballots starting July 1, 2026. The measure keeps Georgia's current ballot-marking devices in place for the midterms, mandates hand recounts of the top two statewide races when margins are within 0.5 percent, and tasks a legislative committee with studying a move toward hand-marked paper ballots. It followed a June 4 non-binding State Election Board resolution favoring hand-marked ballots that the secretary of state's office opposed.
Capitol Beat News Service ↗Rough Draft Atlanta ↗Georgia Recorder ↗ - States
Paxton wins Texas Senate nomination; Middleton nominated for attorney general
Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff with about 64 percent of the vote and faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in November; Paxton remains attorney general while running. In the runoff for the office he is vacating, state Sen. Mayes Middleton defeated Rep. Chip Roy 55.8 to 44.2 percent and faces Democrat Nathan Johnson. The attorney general's office is the state's lead enforcer of Texas election laws.
The Texas Tribune ↗The Texan ↗Al Jazeera ↗ - Courts
States and Democratic leaders file suits challenging mail-voting executive order
Within days of Executive Order 14399, a coalition of 23 states and D.C. co-led by California sued in federal court in Massachusetts, arguing the order exceeds presidential authority over elections. Separately, Senate and House Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, with the DNC, DSCC, DCCC and Democratic Governors Association, sued in Washington, D.C., and LULAC and other organizations filed parallel challenges consolidated before Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. The multistate case produced the June 25 injunction later stayed by the Supreme Court.
California Attorney General ↗PBS NewsHour ↗Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse ↗ - White House
Trump signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship lists and mail-ballot delivery
The order, 'Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections' (91 FR 17125), directs DHS and the Social Security Administration to compile a 'State Citizenship List' for each state, bars the Postal Service from transmitting mail or absentee ballots to individuals not enrolled on a state participation list, orders USPS rulemaking to treat ballots as tracked official election mail, and directs the attorney general to prioritize prosecutions tied to ballots issued to ineligible voters. It followed the president's August 2025 pledge to end mail-in voting by executive order. Its key provisions spent mid-2026 blocked in court; the Supreme Court allowed partial implementation on August 24, with USPS-specific provisions still paused as of September 1.
Federal Register ↗Brennan Center for Justice ↗PBS NewsHour ↗ - Congress
Senate debate on SAVE America Act ends without the votes to advance
The Senate took up the House-passed SAVE America Act in late March 2026, but Republicans, holding 53 seats, could not reach the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted against proceeding. No final passage vote occurred, and the proof-of-citizenship registration requirement is not federal law as of September 1, 2026. Supporters have said they will continue pursuing its provisions through other legislative and executive avenues.
Ballotpedia News ↗Center for American Progress ↗ - Congress
House passes SAVE America Act citizenship-documentation voting bill, 218-213
The House passed the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate to register for federal elections, require mail registrants to present documents in person, and require photo ID or partial identifying numbers with ballots. It succeeds the SAVE Act (H.R. 22), which passed the House in April 2025 and stalled in the Senate. One Democrat joined 217 Republicans in favor.
Ballotpedia News ↗Congress.gov ↗Bipartisan Policy Center ↗ - Courts
Court rules for Washington and Oregon against 2025 elections executive order
In Washington v. Trump, filed April 4, 2025, a federal court in Washington state blocked the provisions of Executive Order 14248 challenged by Washington and Oregon, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements, conditions on federal election funding, and enforcement aimed at states that count ballots received after Election Day. The Justice Department appealed to the Ninth Circuit on March 10, 2026; the appeal was paused while cross-motions for summary judgment remained pending in the district court as of mid-2026.
Democracy Docket ↗ - Agencies
DOJ files new wave of voter-roll lawsuits against additional states
The Justice Department sued Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington for refusing to hand over complete voter registration lists including sensitive identifiers, and filed a further round of suits in mid-December that included Massachusetts. The Brennan Center's tracker catalogs DOJ voter-data demands or suits reaching most states. The department cites the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and the Civil Rights Act; defendant states dispute that those laws require producing unredacted personal data.
Stateline ↗GBH News ↗Brennan Center for Justice ↗ - States
Texas voters approve Proposition 16 affirming citizens-only voting
Texas voters approved a state constitutional amendment declaring that only U.S. citizens may vote, which affirms existing law and does not itself create a documentation requirement. It followed the failure of Senate Bill 16, a sweeping proof-of-citizenship registration bill that passed the Texas Senate in April 2025 but died in the House without a floor vote. Texas mail-ballot eligibility rules were otherwise unchanged for the 2026 cycle.
Votebeat ↗Ballotpedia ↗The Texas Tribune ↗ - Courts
Court permanently bars citizenship-proof mandate in 2025 elections order
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly granted summary judgment in LULAC v. Executive Office of the President, permanently enjoining Executive Order 14248's directive that the Election Assistance Commission add a documentary proof-of-citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form, and in a January 30, 2026 follow-up permanently enjoined related provisions on citizenship assessments for public-assistance registrants and federal data screening. The administration appealed to the D.C. Circuit (No. 25-05476) on December 23, 2025; the appeal remained pending as of September 2026.
Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse ↗LULAC ↗League of Women Voters ↗ - Agencies
DOJ sues Maine and Oregon for voter rolls; six more states sued September 25
The Justice Department filed its first lawsuits seeking states' complete voter registration lists, including birth dates, driver's license numbers and partial Social Security numbers, against Maine and Oregon, then sued California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania on September 25. A federal judge dismissed the Oregon suit on January 27, 2026, finding the department's demand unsupported by the statutes it invoked; other cases continued into 2026.
U.S. Department of Justice ↗NPR ↗NBC News ↗ - White House
Trump pledges executive order to end mail-in ballots and voting machines
In a Truth Social post, President Trump said he would 'lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS' and voting machines before the 2026 midterms and said lawyers were drafting an executive order. Election-law experts across the spectrum noted states, not the president, set voting methods. No order ending mail voting was signed in 2025; the administration's follow-up came March 31, 2026, as Executive Order 14399's narrower citizenship-list and USPS provisions, and voting machines remain in use nationwide.
NPR ↗CNN ↗Time ↗ - Agencies
EAC drafts voting-system guideline changes limiting ballot barcodes
Acting on Executive Order 14248's directive, the Election Assistance Commission circulated a draft VVSG 2.1 that would restrict encoding votes in barcodes or QR codes except on accessible devices for voters with disabilities. The Help America Vote Act's required process (advisory-board review, a 90-day comment period and a commissioner vote) meant the change could not meet the order's timeline, and VVSG 2.0, adopted in 2021, remained the most recent final standard as of September 2026; the EAC certified the first VVSG 2.0 system on July 10, 2025. (Item dated to the June 30, 2025 report on the draft.)
Votebeat ↗Congressional Research Service ↗U.S. Election Assistance Commission ↗ - States
North Carolina auditor's appointees take control of State Board of Elections
Under a December 2024 law that moved election-board appointment power from the governor to the state auditor, Auditor Dave Boliek appointed three new members, creating a 3-2 Republican majority on the State Board of Elections. The board and auditor subsequently reshaped agency leadership and county board chair appointments that govern 2026 early-voting plans, and the board continued a 'Registration Repair' effort, under a settlement with the national parties, to collect missing driver's license or Social Security numbers from roughly 70,000 voters.
North Carolina State Auditor ↗NBC News ↗Carolina Journal ↗ - States
North Dakota requires absentee ballots to arrive by Election Day
Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1165, ending the state's practice of counting mail ballots postmarked by the day before the election and received afterward; ballots other than military ballots must now reach election officials by the close of polls on Election Day. Sponsors said the change aligned state law with President Trump's March 2025 executive order. The law took effect August 1, 2025, and the 2026 midterms are its first federal general election.
North Dakota Monitor ↗North Dakota Monitor ↗Ballotpedia ↗ - Courts
Judge halts citizenship-proof provisions of Trump elections order
In consolidated cases brought by LULAC, the League of Women Voters and Democratic party committees, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly preliminarily enjoined Executive Order 14248's sections 2(a) and 2(d), which directed a documentary proof-of-citizenship requirement on the federal registration form and citizenship assessments for public-assistance registrants. The court wrote that the Constitution entrusts election regulation to Congress and the states, not the president, while declining at that stage to block the order's mail-ballot deadline and funding provisions.
CBS News ↗Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse ↗ - States
Utah sets Election Day receipt deadline and phases out universal ballot mailing
Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB 300, requiring mail ballots to be in clerks' possession by 8 p.m. on election night rather than postmarked by the day before, and phasing out automatic mailing of ballots to all voters: beginning in 2029 voters must opt in to receive mail ballots. Starting in 2026, voters must also write the last four digits of a state ID or Social Security number on the return envelope. The receipt deadline and ID requirements apply to the November 2026 midterms.
The Salt Lake Tribune ↗Utah News Dispatch ↗The Hill ↗ - White House
Trump signs Executive Order 14248 on proof of citizenship and ballot deadlines
The order, 'Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,' directed the Election Assistance Commission to require documentary proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form, conditioned federal election funding on states not counting mail ballots received after Election Day, directed changes to voting-system guidelines to bar QR-code vote tabulation, and ordered federal citizenship-data screening of voter rolls. Courts enjoined its central provisions in 2025 and 2026: the proof-of-citizenship mandate is permanently enjoined (on appeal), and the funding and deadline provisions are blocked as to Washington and Oregon.
Federal Register ↗Congressional Research Service ↗Brennan Center for Justice ↗ - Agencies
CISA ends support for election security information-sharing programs
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency cut roughly $10 million in annual funding to the Center for Internet Security, ending federal support for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC) and scaling back the MS-ISAC, after a March 3 letter said the work no longer supported department priorities. The EI-ISAC, which provided free threat monitoring and incident support to state and local election offices, ceased operations, leaving states to replace those services for the 2026 cycle.
Votebeat ↗The Record ↗Governing ↗
This timeline records public, documented government actions that affect how ballots are requested, sent, returned, and counted. It is descriptive, not a verdict; fact-checks of specific claims about voting live in the elections topic.
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