Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
The Nov. 5 election is rapidly approaching, and Americans will soon have the chance to cast their votes for the next President—along with candidates for a wide range of other federal, state, and local offices.
But navigating the complex web of deadlines and procedures can be tricky. Election calendars differ significantly from state to state, with some sending out mail-in ballots in early September while others will only start processing them closer to the election.
[time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”]Below, TIME has compiled a list of important election dates and voting deadlines to help voters navigate the process. This calendar will be updated.
August 2024 Aug. 19-22 — Democratic National ConventionDemocrats will convene in Chicago for their national convention after Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were nominated as the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates.
The convention will serve as a platform for them to present their vision and rally support. Key events will include speeches, party platform discussions, and activities aimed at energizing the Democratic base for the upcoming election.
Republicans held their national convention in July in Milwaukee, where former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance were nominated as the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates.
September 2024 Sept. 4 — Proposed presidential debate on Fox NewsTrump proposed a presidential debate on Fox News, though Harris has not agreed to participate as of Aug. 13. Trump has signaled that he would be open to turning the debate into a televised town hall if his opponent does not agree to the network or date.
Sept. 6 — First state begins mail-in votingVoters in North Carolina will be the first to receive absentee ballots for the 2024 general election. The state will initiate the vote-by-mail process on Sept. 6, a full two months ahead of Election Day, by mailing ballots to eligible voters who have requested absentee ballots in advance. The rules differ by state for whether voters need to request mail-in ballots, need to provide an excuse in order to get one, or automatically receive one.
Several additional states also open the absentee voting period in September, including Alabama (Sept. 11), Kentucky (Sept. 16), Pennsylvania (Sept. 16), Wisconsin (Sept. 19), Arkansas (Sept. 20), Minnesota (Sept. 20), New York (Sept. 20), South Dakota (Sept. 20), Virginia (Sept. 20), West Virginia (Sept. 20), Idaho (Sept. 21), Louisiana (Sept. 21), New Jersey (Sept. 21), Texas (Sept. 21), Maryland (Sept. 23), Mississippi (Sept. 23), Vermont (Sept. 23), Missouri (Sept. 24), Florida (Sept. 26), Illinois (Sept. 26), Michigan (Sept. 26), North Dakota (Sept. 26), District of Columbia (Sept. 30), and Nebraska (Sept. 30).
Other states open the absentee voting period in October: Connecticut (Oct. 4), Maine (Oct. 6), Massachusetts (Oct. 6), New Hampshire (Oct. 6), South Carolina (Oct. 6), California (Oct. 7), Georgia (Oct. 7), Ohio (Oct. 7), New Mexico (Oct. 8), Wyoming (Oct. 8), Arizona (Oct. 9), Alaska (Oct. 11), Colorado (Oct. 11), Montana (Oct. 11), Utah (Oct. 15), Iowa (Oct. 16), Kansas (Oct. 16), Nevada (Oct. 16), Oregon (Oct. 16), Hawaii (Oct. 18), Washington (Oct. 18).
Sept. 10 — Presidential debate on ABCHarris and Trump have agreed to participate in a debate hosted by ABC News. David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate.
Sept. 18 — Special election for New Jersey’s 10th congressional districtNew Jersey is hosting a special election in the 10th congressional district following the death of Democratic Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April. Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver is the Democratic nominee, while small business owner Carmen Bucco is the Republican nominee.
Sept. 20 — First state begins early votingVoters in Virginia will be the first who are eligible to visit a polling location to cast their ballots early.
For other states, check with local officials for details since early voting rules can vary by county.
Sept. 25 — Proposed presidential debate on NBCTrump proposed a presidential debate on NBC News, though Harris has not agreed to participate as of Aug. 13.
October 2024 Oct. 1 — Vice presidential debate on CBSWalz and Vance will face off in a televised showdown hosted by CBS News. It will be held in New York City, and Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan will moderate.
November 2024 Nov. 5 — Election DayVoters will not only determine the outcome of the presidential election but also play a crucial role in shaping Congress and state governments, as 34 Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats are up for election, as well as 12 gubernatorial races.
December 2024 Dec. 17 — Electors cast votesThe electors in each state meet to cast their votes for President and Vice President, a practice that is governed by state law. Electors will sign, seal, and certify the electoral votes.
January 2025 Jan. 3 — 119th Congress convenesRepresentatives-elect and senators-elect will be sworn in.
Jan. 6 — Congress certifies presidential election resultsThe House and Senate will certify the results of the 2024 presidential election in a joint session during which the electoral certificates for each state are counted and tallied.
Jan. 20 — Inauguration dayThe President and Vice President will take their respective oaths of office.
Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute