The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 27, 2026
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October 26, 2026 12:29 pmWASHINTON, DC — Availability of early voting has expanded since 2000, with 97% of the U.S. population now having access to early in-person voting or mail-in ballots. What are the advantages of voting early?
According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, almost two-thirds of Americans voted early in 2024, and as of Oct. 26th, 28.9 million midterm ballots had already been cast, according to the University of Florida Election Lab.
Voting by mail is expected to drop in 2026 due to the Trump administration’s now-blocked U.S. Postal Service directive to verify mail-in voter eligibility. Ballot drop boxes remain an option in 29 states and DC.
In-person early voting has surged in 2026. It allows voters flexibility to work around their schedules, reduces the chance of having to wait in line, and some states even allow same day voter registration during early voting. If you forget information on your mail-in ballot, such as a driver’s license number, voting early may allow you to “cure” your mistake with election officials to make sure your ballot counts.
For communities of color, voting early may avoid the voter suppression drama of far right poll watchers, and the administration’s not-yet-denied possibility of federal agents at the polls.
We’ve linked to a schedule of state early voting deadlines at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources
Center for Election Innovation and Research – The Expansion of Voting Before Election Day, 2000-2026
University of Florida Election Lab – 2026 Early Voting
National Conference of State Legislators – Ballot Drop Box Laws
Vote.org – Early Voting Calendar – See the Dates for Your State
Brennan Center for Justice – A Guide to Early Voting
NPR – What’s behind the early voting surge? It’s more than voter enthusiasm, expert says
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Americans Like Voting Early, and Other Lessons from the 2024 Election U.S. Election Assistance Commission Follow Up Report
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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