The midterm elections are less than two months away on Tuesday, Nov. 3, but in some states, early voting begins in September.
Three states begin early voting on Friday, with one more starting later in the month. Virginia, South Dakota, and Minnesota allow voters to begin casting ballots for the 2026 midterm elections on Sept. 18. Meanwhile, early voting in Illinois begins 40 days ahead of the election, on Sept. 24.
Of the states with early voting in September, Virginia has sparked the most national interest in House races. Democrats could pick up two seats in the 1st and 2nd congressional districts. While the 1st District is still leaning Republican, analysis from InsideElections has labeled the 2nd District a toss-up.
Incumbent Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), who is running for reelection in the 2nd District, is neck and neck in her rematch with Democratic challenger Elaine Luria.
Minnesota offers in-person absentee voting and early voting beginning on Oct. 16. For in-person absentees, ballots are counted at a later date and require the voter to complete an application form before casting their ballot.
Here are some dates to know for affected states:
Virginia
- Deadline to register to vote/update registration: Oct. 23
- Early in-person voting: Sept. 18 through Oct. 31
- Deadline to apply for ballot to be mailed: Oct. 23
South Dakota
- General election date: Nov. 3
- Voter registration deadline: Oct. 19
- Absentee voting begins: Sept. 18
South Dakota uses “in-person absentee voting” instead of early voting.
Minnesota
- Ballots available for in-person voting: Sept. 18
- Start of early voting: Oct. 16
- Last day to vote early in person: Nov. 2
JOHN CORNYN WON’T VOTE FOR TEXAS GOP CANDIDATE BO FRENCH OVER ‘RACIST COMMENTS’
Illinois
- Early voting: Sept. 24 through Nov. 2
- Deadline to register: Illinois offers a grace period to register based on county.
- General election: Nov. 3