Changes

Early voting has spread as Democrats realize that the uninformed votes give them a comparative advantage.  As pushed by [[Democrat]]s, many states in the United States have laws adopting forms of early voting. According to the Early Voting Center at Reed College, the following states allow early voting in 2012: North Carolina, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Georgia, Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Louisiana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada and Hawaii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reed.edu/earlyvoting/calendar/|title=Early voting calendar, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>  Liberal-leaning foreign nations have also adopted some form of early voting, such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand.   

Early voting has spread as Democrats realize that the uninformed votes give them a comparative advantage.  As pushed by [[Democrat]]s, many states in the United States have laws adopting forms of early voting. According to the Early Voting Center at Reed College, the following states allow early voting in 2012: North Carolina, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Georgia, Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Louisiana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada and Hawaii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reed.edu/earlyvoting/calendar/|title=Early voting calendar, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>  Liberal-leaning foreign nations have also adopted some form of early voting, such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand.   

In 2008, one-third of Americans voted prior to Election Day, and that fraction increased to 40% or so in 2012.  In the [[Mystery:Nevada Election 2010|Nevada Election 2010]], more than half the votes cast were cast by early voting.  Some states make the list of early voters and absentee voters available to the public or to the political campaigns.  By contrast, all states make the list of voters available after an election.   

In 2008, one-third of Americans voted prior to Election Day, and that fraction increased to 40% or so in 2012.  In the [[Mystery:Nevada Election 2010|Nevada Election 2010]], more than half the votes were cast by early voting.  Some states make the list of early voters and absentee voters available to the public or to the political campaigns.  By contrast, all states make the list of voters available after an election.   

The [[Democrat Party]] pushes hard for early voting.  A January 2014 report by the President [[Obama]]'s Commission on Election Administration stated, "In order to limit congestion on Election Day and to respond to the demand for greater opportunities to vote beyond the traditional Election Day polling place, states that have not already done so should expand alternative ways of voting, such as mail balloting and in-person early voting."<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 3</ref>  The report further described a "bipartisan consensus of election administrators in favor of voting before Election Day".<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 57</ref>

The [[Democrat Party]] pushes hard for early voting.  A January 2014 report by the President [[Obama]]'s Commission on Election Administration stated, "In order to limit congestion on Election Day and to respond to the demand for greater opportunities to vote beyond the traditional Election Day polling place, states that have not already done so should expand alternative ways of voting, such as mail balloting and in-person early voting."<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 3</ref>  The report further described a "bipartisan consensus of election administrators in favor of voting before Election Day".<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 57</ref>

There are two major objections to early voting.  First, it facilitates voter intimidation, particularly by unions and large employers that try to increase turnout by their people.<ref>"Executives at the [[casino]] giant Harrah's pushed company employees to vote early in an all-out effort to help the [[Harry Reid]] campaign, according to internal emails obtained by Battle ‘10." [http://nation.foxnews.com/harry-reid/2010/11/02/hot-air-did-harrahs-casino-pressure-employees-vote-reid#ixzz2AYEDHlaD]</ref>  Scholars have noted that early voting, vote-by-mail and similar schemes eliminate the secret ballot—which is essential to preserving electoral integrity.  Second, it increases the potential for [[voter fraud]], particularly in the absence of protections that safeguard the integrity of physical votes.<ref>See, e.g., "Early Voting Fraud," ''National Review'' [https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/251345/early-voting-fraud-deroy-murdock].</ref>  Some critics claim early voting establishes a mechanism where union bosses and the Democratic machine can harass Americans until they vote.  This risks infringement on the right '''''not''''' to vote.

There are two major objections to early voting.  First, it facilitates voter intimidation, particularly by unions and large employers that try to increase turnout by their people.<ref>"Executives at the [[casino]] giant Harrah's pushed company employees to vote early in an all-out effort to help the [[Harry Reid]] campaign, according to internal emails obtained by Battle ‘10." [http://nation.foxnews.com/harry-reid/2010/11/02/hot-air-did-harrahs-casino-pressure-employees-vote-reid#ixzz2AYEDHlaD]</ref>  Scholars have noted that early voting, vote-by-mail and similar schemes eliminate the secret ballot—which is essential to preserving electoral integrity.  Second, it increases the potential for [[voter fraud]], particularly in the absence of protections that safeguard the integrity of physical votes.<ref>See, e.g., "Early Voting Fraud," ''National Review'' [https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/251345/early-voting-fraud-deroy-murdock].</ref>  Some critics claim early voting establishes a mechanism where union bosses and the Democratic machine can harass Americans until they vote.  This risks infringement on the right '''''not''''' to vote.

While early voting plainly undermines the notion of a uniform [[Election Day]], various arguments are used, typically by Democrats, to advocate its adoption by state legislatures.  One argument is that early voting increases overall turnout.  Another argument used in [[Ohio]] is that Ohio voters should not have to wait in line until 4:00 a.m. the following morning to cast a ballot in a presidential election, as happened in 2004.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-11-17-early-voting_x.htm</ref>  Of course, extra poll workers, voting machines, and booths could be added for Election Day to address this concern.  Some, including Ohio's Cuyahoga County, argue that early voting can save money in this regard, as the same machines and equipment that would otherwise be idle can be used, avoiding the need to purchase new and expensive election equipment.  But Political Science Professor Todd Eberly argues that early voting adds millions of dollars in expense while '''''lowering''''' overall voter turnout:<ref>http://marylandreporter.com/2012/09/10/early-voting-costs-counties-2-6m-but-hasnt-increased-turnout-yet/</ref>

While early voting plainly undermines the notion of a uniform [[Election Day]], various arguments are used, typically by Democrats, to advocate its adoption by state legislatures.  One argument is that early voting increases overall turnout.  Another argument used in [[Ohio]] is that Ohio voters should not have to wait in line until 4:00 a.m. the following morning to cast a ballot in a presidential election, as happened in 2004.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-11-17-early-voting_x.htm</ref>  Of course, extra poll workers, voting machines, and booths could be added for Election Day to address this concern.  Some, including Ohio's Cuyahoga County, argue that early voting can save money in this regard, as the same machines and equipment that would otherwise be idle can be used, avoiding the need to purchase new and expensive election equipment.  But political science professor Todd Eberly argues that early voting adds millions of dollars in expense while '''''lowering''''' overall voter turnout:<ref>http://marylandreporter.com/2012/09/10/early-voting-costs-counties-2-6m-but-hasnt-increased-turnout-yet/</ref>

{{cquote|Early voting is actually a waste of taxpayer money that does not boost turnout.  In a study of the 2008 election, researchers at the University of Wisconsin actually found that early voting results in lower turnout – not higher. Specifically they found that though more than 30 percent of votes cast in the 2008 presidential race arrived before Election Day, the study determined early voting actually depressed turnout in a typical county by 3 percentage points.}}

{{cquote|Early voting is actually a waste of taxpayer money that does not boost turnout.  In a study of the 2008 election, researchers at the University of Wisconsin actually found that early voting results in lower turnout – not higher. Specifically they found that though more than 30 percent of votes cast in the 2008 presidential race arrived before Election Day, the study determined early voting actually depressed turnout in a typical county by 3 percentage points.}}

In a 1996 study of early voting turnout in Tennessee elections in 1994, Lilliard E. Richardson, Jr. and Grant W. Neely said that early voting could increase overall turnout.<ref>L.E. Richardson, Jr. and G.E. Neely.  "The impact of early voting on turnout: The 1994 elections in Tennessee." ''State & Local Government Review'' '''28'''(3):173-79 (1996)</ref>

In a 1996 study of early voting turnout in Tennessee elections in 1994, Lilliard E. Richardson, Jr. and Grant W. Neely said that early voting could increase overall turnout.<ref>L.E. Richardson, Jr. and G.E. Neely.  "The impact of early voting on turnout: The 1994 elections in Tennessee." ''State & Local Government Review'' '''28'''(3):173-79 (1996)</ref>

The Texas Election Code allows mail-in balloting for only the following reasons:

The Texas Election Code allows mail-in balloting for only the following reasons:

*the voter plans to be absent from the county of residence<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.001.</ref>

*The voter plans to be absent from the county of residence<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.001.</ref>

*the voter has a disability or certain instances involving childbirth<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.002.</ref>

*The voter has a disability or certain instances involving childbirth<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.002.</ref>

*the voter is age 65 or older<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.003.</ref>

*The voter is age 65 or older<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.003.</ref>

*the voter is confined in county jail in certain circumstances<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.004.</ref>

*The voter is confined in county jail in certain circumstances<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.004.</ref>

*the voter is participating in the address confidentiality program for certain crime victims<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.007.</ref>

*The voter is participating in the address confidentiality program for certain crime victims<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.007.</ref>

*the voter is involuntarily civilly confined as a sexual predator<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.008.</ref>

*The voter is involuntarily civilly confined as a sexual predator<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.008.</ref>

Otherwise, Texas allows early voting by personal appearance for any qualified voter, and requires no specific reason for doing so.<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.005.</ref>

Otherwise, Texas allows early voting by personal appearance for any qualified voter, and requires no specific reason for doing so.<ref>Texas Election Code Section 82.005.</ref>

== Virginia==

== Virginia==Virginia does not have formal early voting.  However, Virginia provides for both mail-in and in-person absentee voting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/inperson-absentee-voting-starts-today-va|title=In-person absentee voting scheduled today in Va.|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=October 27, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref> To vote absentee, the voter must fill out an affidavit stating that one of several reasons for absentee voting applies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/AbsenteeVoting.html|title=Absentee Voting|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In contrast, in early voting states, any voter can vote before Election Day without stating a reason.

Virginia does not have formal early voting.  However, Virginia provides for both mail-in and in-person absentee voting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/inperson-absentee-voting-starts-today-va|title=In-person absentee voting scheduled today in Va.|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=October 27, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref> To vote absentee, the voter must fill out an affidavit stating that one of several reasons for absentee voting applies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/AbsenteeVoting.html|title=Absentee Voting|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In contrast, in early voting states, any voter can vote before Election Day without stating a reason.

The absentee voting period begins 45 days before Election Day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/09/early-voting-period-virginia-has-begun|title=Early voting period in Virginia has begun|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=September 30, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In response to [[Hurricane Sandy]] reducing in-person absentee voting opportunities before the 2012 election, on October 28, 2012, Republican Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] announced that he was requesting the State Board of Elections to expand the number of in-person absentee voting hours between the end of the storm and the election day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/breaking/dp-mcdonnell-urges-caution-and-preparation-will-expand-hours-for-absentee-voting-20121028,0,982955.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hrdailypress%2Fnews+%28Daily+Press+-+Front+Page+News%29|title=McDonnell urges caution and preparation; will expand hours for absentee voting|first=Todd |last=Wilson|work=Hampton Roads Daily Press|date=October 28, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>

The absentee voting period begins 45 days before Election Day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/09/early-voting-period-virginia-has-begun|title=Early voting period in Virginia has begun|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=September 30, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In response to [[Hurricane Sandy]] reducing in-person absentee voting opportunities before the 2012 election, on October 28, 2012, Republican Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] announced that he was requesting the State Board of Elections to expand the number of in-person absentee voting hours between the end of the storm and the Election Day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/breaking/dp-mcdonnell-urges-caution-and-preparation-will-expand-hours-for-absentee-voting-20121028,0,982955.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hrdailypress%2Fnews+%28Daily+Press+-+Front+Page+News%29|title=McDonnell urges caution and preparation; will expand hours for absentee voting|first=Todd |last=Wilson|work=Hampton Roads Daily Press|date=October 28, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>

Virginia provides the list of people who have requested absentee ballots or have voted in person absentee to political parties "upon request and for a reasonable fee."<ref>[https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?000+cod+24.2-710 Va. Code § 24.2-710.]</ref>  The parties then contact voters based on that data.<ref name=disclose>{{cite news|title=Campaigns pay to track absentee ballots in Virginia|first=Errin|last=Haines|work=Washington Post|date=October 27, 2012|page=B1}}</ref>

Virginia provides the list of people who have requested absentee ballots or have voted in-person absentee to political parties "upon request and for a reasonable fee."<ref>[https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?000+cod+24.2-710 Va. Code § 24.2-710.]</ref>  The parties then contact voters based on that data.<ref name=disclose>{{cite news|title=Campaigns pay to track absentee ballots in Virginia|first=Errin|last=Haines|work=Washington Post|date=October 27, 2012|page=B1}}</ref>

In November 2012, liberal, [[Planned Parenthood]]-endorsed<ref>http://www.janethowell.com/content/endorsements</ref> [[Democrat]] State Senator Janet Howell renewed her call for Virginia to adopt early voting after a very small percentage voters had to stand in line for hours in the 2012 General election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://washingtonexaminer.com/long-lines-reignite-push-for-early-voting-in-virginia/article/2513294#.UKN4aIU5V4s|title=Long lines reignite push for early voting in Virginia|date=November 12, 2012|work=Washington Examiner|accessdate=November 14, 2012|first=Steve|last=Contorno}}</ref>

In November 2012, liberal, [[Planned Parenthood]]-endorsed<ref>http://www.janethowell.com/content/endorsements</ref> [[Democrat]] State Senator Janet Howell renewed her call for Virginia to adopt early voting after a very small percentage of voters had to stand in line for hours in the 2012 general election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://washingtonexaminer.com/long-lines-reignite-push-for-early-voting-in-virginia/article/2513294#.UKN4aIU5V4s|title=Long lines reignite push for early voting in Virginia|date=November 12, 2012|work=Washington Examiner|accessdate=November 14, 2012|first=Steve|last=Contorno}}</ref>

==Wisconsin==

==Wisconsin==

}}</ref> In the Washington system, ballots must be '''postmarked''' (not '''received''') by Election Day, so complete results are delayed by several days.<ref name=STimes09/>

}}</ref> In the Washington system, ballots must be '''postmarked''' (not '''received''') by Election Day, so complete results are delayed by several days.<ref name=STimes09/>

Other states allow absentee voting by mail, some have no restrictions on doing so, while others limit it for specific reasons (see Texas above).

Other states allow absentee voting by mail; some have no restrictions on doing so, while others limit it for specific reasons (see Texas above).

== See also ==

== See also ==