Knowing when and how to vote is crucial for participating in the democratic process. This guide provides key dates and deadlines for upcoming elections, helping you answer the question: “Can You Vote Today?” We cover important information like voter registration deadlines, mail-in ballot application cutoff dates, early voting periods, and of course, Election Day.
Key Election Dates and Deadlines: What You Need to Know
This comprehensive list outlines critical dates for both the Primary and General Elections. Keep these dates in mind to ensure your vote is counted.
Primary Election:
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March 24 (by 4:00 PM): Deadline for candidate petition filing.
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March 27 (by 4:00 PM): Deadline for amendments to defective primary candidate petitions.
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March 28 (by 4:00 PM): Deadline for filing objections to primary candidate nominating petitions.
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April 2: Deadline for determining petition challenges for primary candidates.
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April 16: Deadline for filing change of party affiliation declaration forms for the primary election.
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April 19: Mail-in ballots begin to be mailed for the primary election.
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May 20: Voter registration deadline for the primary election. Evening voter registration will also be available in County Commissioner of Registration offices.
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May 28: Sample ballots are mailed for the primary election.
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June 3: Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail for the primary election. Deadline for unaffiliated voters to declare party affiliation to receive a mail-in ballot.
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June 3-8: Early voting period for the primary election.
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June 6: Deadline for qualified overseas civilian and military voters to apply electronically for a mail-in ballot.
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June 9 (by 3:00 PM): Deadline for in-person mail-in ballot applications. Deadline for unaffiliated voters to declare party affiliation to receive a mail-in ballot in person.
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June 10: Primary Election Day! Also the deadline for post office receipt of mailed-in ballots and for in-person submission of mail-in ballots. This is also the deadline for candidate petition filing for the General Election.
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June 12: Deadline for County Boards of Elections to receive mail-in ballots without a postmark.
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June 16: Deadline for County Boards of Elections to receive timely mailed, postmarked ballots.
General Election:
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June 10 (by 4:00 p.m.): Candidate Petition Filing Deadline for General Election
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June 13 (by 4:00 PM): Deadline for amendments to defective petitions for independent general election candidates.
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June 16 (by 4:00 PM): Deadline for filing objections to independent general election candidate nominating petitions.
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June 18: Deadline for receipt of cure form to County Boards of Election.
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June 19: Deadline for determining petition challenges for independent general election candidates.
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June 20: Canvass of primary election votes by County Clerks.
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June 27: Deadline for the Secretary of State to certify gubernatorial primary election results.
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September 20: Mail-in ballots begin to be mailed for the general election.
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October 14: Voter registration deadline for the general election. Evening voter registration will also be available in County Commissioner of Registration offices.
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October 22: Sample ballots are mailed for the general election.
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October 25 – November 2: Early voting period for the general election.
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October 28: Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail for the general election.
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October 31: Deadline for qualified overseas civilian and military voters to apply electronically for a mail-in ballot.
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November 3 (by 3:00 PM): Deadline for in-person mail-in ballot applications.
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November 4: General Election Day! Also the deadline for post office receipt of mailed-in ballots and for in-person submission of mail-in ballots.
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November 6: Deadline for County Boards of Elections to receive mail-in ballots without a postmark.
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November 10: Deadline for County Boards of Elections to receive timely mailed, postmarked ballots.
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November 15: Deadline for receipt of cure form to County Boards of Election.
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December 4: Deadline for the Board of State Canvassers to certify general election results.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Exercise Your Right to Vote
This calendar serves as a guide to important election dates. Remember to confirm these dates with your local election officials for the most accurate and up-to-date information. By staying informed and knowing the deadlines, you can ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming elections.
