Voting in 2024 actually starts long before Election Day. The process starts with voter registration and primaries in each state, with varying deadlines and requirements. Here’s a roundup of some links that can help.  

The National Conference of State Legislatures

The earliest state primaries for 2024 are held March 5, with the latest in mid-September. With 13 primaries each, June and August are the busiest months for state primaries. 

Here’s a link to the NCSL website with information on all the primary elections taking place and deadline dates.

This site also explains that the manner in which party primary elections are conducted varies widely by state. Primaries can be categorized as closed,  partially closed,  partially open,  open to unaffiliated voters,  open or  multi-party.

VOTE.GOV

The 2024 presidential primary elections take place in all 50 states and territories to select candidates who will represent political parties in the general presidential election. Check upcoming dates and deadlines for your state and political party.

USA.GOV

USA.Gov has vital info on registration, how where and when to vote, early voting, absentee voting and voting requirements.

TurboVote

Turbovote is a project of Democracy Works, a non-profit offering election information. Just entering your address gives you information on voter registration and timetables for your address, and will send you emailed reminders of deadlines.

Turbovote starts by helping you sign up to vote by mail; the people behind the site actually send you the form prefilled according to the information you input online, complete with stamped and addressed envelope; all you have to do is drop it in the mail.  Once you’ve given your address and email, you’ll get alerts that contain a full accounting of who is on your local, state and national ballots (with links to these candidates’ sites) and directions to your voting site. On election day, you’ll receive a reminder to vote.

YOUR TURN

Do you or have you voted in a primary? Why – or why not?  Share your thoughts in the comments.