Arguments for and against early voting*
Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. On this page, early voting refers to no-excuse early voting.
Whether early voting is beneficial or harmful, and whether it should be expanded or restricted, are subjects of debate.
Supporters of early voting argue that it increases voter turnout among certain groups, reduces wait times at the polls, is easy to implement, and accommodates more voters.
Opponents of early voting argue that it leads to ill-informed voting, creates logistical concerns and fraud risks, and prevents voters from changing their votes.
As of Februrary 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia permitted no-excuse early voting in some form: Eight of these states have all-mail voting systems, where every voter receives a mail-in ballot by default. The length of early voting periods range from three to 46 days by state, with the average being 20 days.
On this page, you will find:
Arguments at a glance: A brief summary of support and opposition arguments
Support arguments in detail: Detailed support arguments from a variety of sources
Opposition arguments in detail: Detailed opposition arguments from a variety of sources
See also: Links to Ballotpedia resources with more information on early voting
*The previous section provided by Ballotpedia.
Need help deciding?
How do I vote by mail?
In Arizona, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your county election office. October 25 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to request Ballot-by-Mail to vote in the November 5, 2024 State General Election.
If you would like to receive your ballot by mail for the upcoming election, it is not too late! Make your request now.
Ballots will be mailed out to voters that are on the Active Early Voting List or have requested a one time early ballot via first class mail.
The deadline to request the county mail you a ballot is 11 days before the election (falls on the 2nd Friday preceding the election, October 25 @ 5:00 p.m.). We recommend making your request as early as possible.
USPS advises: Where voters will both receive and send a ballot by mail, voters should submit their ballot request early enough so that it is received by their election officials at least 15 days before Election Day at a minimum, and preferably long before that time.
This service is intended for voters who are not on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) to make a one-time request for an early ballot by mail. If you are on AEVL and need to make a one-time request, please contact your county recorder. To join the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and get a ballot-by-mail for all future elections, update your voter registration here and select the AEVL option at the end.
What should I do if I don't get my ballot?
If you don't receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your county election office.
How do I return my ballot?
Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
You can return your ballot by mail or in person. Find where to return your ballot in person on Arizona's site.
What do I need to do if I've moved?
What's on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you've moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Arizona's site.
Click here for links to the following:
Find early voting locations
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See what’s on your ballot
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Track your ballot application