Missouri and North Carolina joined the growing list of states that began early voting for the 2024 election on Tuesday.
Here's everything you need to know about the major races and how to take part.
North Carolina is one of the most competitive states this season.
North Carolina last voted for a Democratic president in 2008, when then-Senator Barack Obama won the state by 0.3 percentage points, or 14,177 votes.
Trump won by a 3.7 percentage point margin in 2016, but in 2020 that margin narrowed to 1.3 points against Biden.
A Fox News poll late last month showed the two 2024 presidential candidates separated by just one point, with Democratic candidate Harris at 49% and Republican candidate Trump at 50%. North Carolina is ranked as a “50-50” state in Fox News' power rankings.
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As the population grows, the state's competitiveness is also improving: Over the past decade, North Carolina's population has grown by roughly 1.1 million people, the fourth-largest increase of any state.
Much of that growth has been in urban and suburban areas such as Mecklenburg and Wake counties, which are heavily Democratic.
The pandemic has drawn more affluent urban Americans from neighboring states, as well as college-aged voters.
Although rural populations are declining, they still make up a large proportion of the state's vote and vote overwhelmingly Republican.
Early voting begins today in Missouri and North Carolina. (Reuters/Nick Oxford)
Key sub-elections in early voting states today
Among the states where early voting begins today is North Carolina, which has three closely contested U.S. House races.
- District 1: Democratic Rep. Don Davis won the open seat by just 5 points in the midterm elections, and this year he will face Army veteran Laurie Buckhout in a Northeastern district with a high percentage of black voters — a race that is a 50-50 tie in Fox News' power rankings.
- 13th and 14th arrondissements: Redistricting has transformed the two districts that were once based in Raleigh and Charlotte into sprawling, mostly suburban and rural areas, making them ideal targets for Republicans who will likely flip both in November. In the 13th District, small business owner Frank Pierce (D) is facing off against prosecutor Brad Knott (R). In the 14th District, Army veteran and nurse Pam Gennant (D) is facing off against state Rep. Tim Moore (R).
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The 2024 election is well underway, with early voting beginning in roughly 20 states.
How to Vote in Missouri
This is your guide to registering and voting early. For comprehensive, up-to-date information on voting eligibility, procedures, and deadlines, Vote.gov Election Website Missouri.
Vote by Mail
Missouri began accepting absentee ballots on Tuesday. Applicants must provide a reason for wanting a ballot. The state must receive the ballot application by Oct. 23, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
Early In-Person Voting
Absentee ballots can be returned in person up until Election Day.
Voter Registration
Missouri residents have until October 9th to register to vote online, by mail or in person.
States where early voting begins this week.
How to Vote in North Carolina
This is your guide to registering and voting early. For comprehensive, up-to-date information on voting eligibility, procedures, and deadlines, Vote.gov Election Website North Carolina.
Vote by Mail
North Carolina began accepting absentee ballots for registered voters on Tuesday, and began sending absentee ballots to military and overseas voters on Friday. Applicants do not have to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The state must receive ballot applications by Oct. 29, and the ballots must be delivered to county officials by Nov. 5.
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Early In-Person Voting
In North Carolina, early in-person voting varies by location. Check your state's website More information can be found here The last day to vote in person is November 2nd.
Voter Registration
North Carolina residents can register to vote online or by mail until October 11th. They can also register in person during early voting from October 17th to November 2nd.
