General election in-person voting begins in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia

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Early voting for the 2024 general election officially commenced on Friday in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, marking a significant step in the electoral process. Polling places in these states have opened their doors to voters, just over six weeks before Super Tuesday on November 5.

In addition to in-person voting, Alabama sent out its first mail-in ballots last week, allowing voters to return their ballots at any time leading up to Super Tuesday. North Carolina was expected to be the first state to distribute absentee ballots; however, this was delayed due to a lawsuit involving the Kennedy campaign, which sought to remove him from the state ballot.

While exact voter turnout figures are not yet available, one polling location in Minneapolis reported 75 votes cast within the first hour of opening. The beginning of the voting season follows a tumultuous summer in U.S. politics, during which Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has faced challenges, including two assassination attempts.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon expressed hopes for the upcoming voting period, emphasizing the desire for high turnout and low drama. As of Friday, several additional states are set to begin early voting by mid-October, contributing to the overall electoral landscape.