Early voting kicks off in 10 more states. What to know before heading to the polls

Voters in ten more states can start casting ballots this week as early voting rolls out for the Nov. 5 general election.

Early voting is becoming an increasingly popular method for voters to cast ballots. Over 45 states offer some form of early voting, and a recent study from the Center for Election Innovation & Research found that almost 97% of voting-age citizens live in a state with at least one option to vote before Election Day.

In many states, early voting is already underway. This week, polls in Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisiana, Washington, Massachusetts and Nevada will open their doors. Here’s when early voting begins in these states, and what voters should know.

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Oct. 15: Georgia

Early voting in the Peach State begins Tuesday, exactly three weeks before Election Day. Early voting locations, sample ballots, and other information are available on the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

Voters should bring a valid photo ID, such as a Georgia driver’s license, Georgia Voter ID Card, U.S. passport, or tribal ID, to their polling place. Students from Georgia’s public colleges, universities, or technical colleges can also use their school ID cards (private college and university IDs do not count).

Although third-party presidential candidates Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz may appear on Georgia’s ballot in some places, votes cast for them will not be counted after the state’s Supreme Court ruled that they did not properly qualify for the November election.

Oct. 16: Iowa, Kansas, Rhode Island, Tennessee

For voters in Iowa, in-person early voting will be available at the local county auditor's offices or, in certain cases, at a satellite early voting station. Voters can contact their county auditor by visiting the secretary of state’s website. If that information is not listed on the ID, voters should bring a photo ID and an additional document showing proof of residence.

Kansas voters can also vote early at county election offices or satellite voting locations throughout the state. Voters should bring a photo ID to the polls. Kansas residents can look up early voting locations using VoterView and find more information about their county elections office on the secretary of state’s website.

Early voting locations around Rhode Island will open on Wednesday. Voters should be sure to bring a photo ID with them to cast their ballot. The Board of Elections website has a full list of early voting locations, but the hours will vary.

In Tennessee, voters need an excuse for an absentee ballot, but not for early voting. Early voting is available at county election offices or satellite locations. Voters should check with their local elections commission for hours and locations.

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Oct. 17: North Carolina

Early voting for the North Carolina election begins Thursday, Oct. 17. Like Georgia, North Carolina requires a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport. However, voters who don't already have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply online to receive a free voter ID card. Early voting sites are available online at the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. If you're a voter impacted by Hurricane Helene, please check for resources available.

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Oct. 18: Louisiana, Washington

Louisiana voters can head to the polls starting on Oct. 18 to cast their ballot in the general election. Early voting locations will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and voters will be asked to present a valid photo ID or sign a voter affidavit. More information about early voting in each parish can be accessed through Louisiana’s voter portal, and a full list of early voting locations is available at the secretary of state’s website.

Washington is a vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters are automatically mailed an absentee ballot. Ballots can be mailed in or dropped off at a voting center. The secretary of state's website has a full list of voting centers and ballot drop boxes. The Washington State Voter Portal has more information.

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Oct. 19: Massachusetts, Nevada

Bay State residents can head to the polls this Saturday as early voting opens before the November general election. Some first-time voters may have to show a photo ID, but voter ID is not required for the majority of voters. Early voting locations are available on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website or by visiting www.WhereDoIVoteMA.com.

Early voting also kicks off this Saturday in Nevada, a crucial swing state in the upcoming presidential election. As another vote-by-mail state, registered voters automatically receive an absentee ballot, but voters can also visit early voting locations to vote in person. Nevada residents can cast their ballot at any vote center in their county, not just the location nearest to their residence. A full list of early voting locations is available on the Nevada Secretary of State’s website.

Contributing: Sarah Gleason 

Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY who focuses on Georgia politics. She is @MayaHoman on X, formerly Twitter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does early voting start? 2024 election kicking off in 10 states