It might seem like the presidential election is far off, but it’s actually approaching quickly. With Election Day set for November 5, which is less than two months away, the time will pass rapidly due to upcoming key dates, events, and political changes.
The initial mail-in ballots for the general election were dispatched on Wednesday, just one day after the inaugural debate between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump. Some states will begin early in-person voting as early as September 20.
Here’s a snapshot of why the days will rush by from now until Election Day.
The initial set of ballots generally goes to military and overseas voters. Federal regulations require these ballots to be sent out at least 45 days before the election, which this year means by September 21.
In some states, this process starts even earlier.
For instance, election officials in North Carolina were set to begin mailing ballots to all requested voters on September 6. However, this was postponed due to a successful lawsuit by presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who managed to have his name removed from the state’s ballot after he ended his campaign and supported Trump. Consequently, Alabama became the first state to distribute absentee ballots for this presidential election cycle.
Voter registration deadlines differ by state, with most falling between eight and 30 days before the election, as reported by the National Conference of State Legislatures. In Georgia, a key battleground state this year, the registration deadline is October 7.
Most states provide some form of in-person voting, though the specifics and timings vary significantly.
The first presidential debate between Harris and Trump has concluded, prompting discussions about the possibility of a second debate.
Harris’ vice presidential choice, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Trump’s, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have agreed to an October 1 debate organized by CBS News in New York City. Vance has proposed an additional vice presidential debate on September 18, although the details for this have yet to be finalized.
{Matzav.com}
