As the 2024 election moves forward, Illinois, North Dakota, Florida and Michigan all began early voting on Thursday.
Here you'll find all the information about each state's elections and how to vote.
Michigan is one of the most competitive states this season.
In 2016, Michigan shocked the nation by supporting former President Trump by just 0.23 points, or 10,704 votes.
Since then, the state has swung in Democrats' favor, with President Biden winning by about 3 percentage points, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer being elected and re-elected, and state government being split into three branches in the last midterm elections.
Still, this will be a tight race: Recent quality polls have Harris leading by anywhere between 2 and 5 points, all within the margin of error.
Democrats have performed well in the southeastern part of the state, and Biden was able to win the 2020 election by mobilizing black voters and expanding his support in metro Detroit. Winning Kent County, which includes Grand Rapids and has a mix of urban, suburban and rural voters, was also crucial to Biden's victory. Trump needs to retake the district to win the state statewide in 2024.
Michigan's population grew 2 percent over the past decade, but the growth was concentrated in the Grand Rapids area. Since then, the state has been in population decline, especially in Detroit.
The Great Lakes state will also vote to choose a new senator after Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow decided not to run for reelection this year. Rep. Elissa Slotkin is hoping to keep the seat in Democratic hands and has the advantage in this battleground district. She'll face off against Republican candidate Mike Rogers, a former Rep.
Both the presidential and senate races are ranked leaning toward D in the Fox News Power Rankings.
Key lower-level races in early voting states today
Among the states where early voting begins today are four closely contested U.S. House races in Illinois and Michigan;
- Michigan 7th Congressional DistrictSlotkin is leaving a south-central Michigan district she won by 5.4 percentage points in the midterm elections. This year, the race is up against two former state senators, Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett, in a race Fox News ranks as a 50-50 contest.
- Michigan 8th Congressional District: The neighboring 8th District also has no incumbent. Congressman Dan Kildee is retiring after 12 years in the House, leaving the race between Democratic State Senator Kristen McDonald-Rivett and Republican businessman Paul Junge. The district includes the Flint and Tri-Cities areas, so winning the working-class vote will be crucial, and the race is also closely contested in the power rankings.
- Michigan's 10th Congressional DistrictRepublican incumbent Rep. John James is leading in the 10th Congressional District, where he will face off against Democrat and former judge and prosecutor Carl Marlinga, whose district includes southern Macomb County and Rochester. Retaining the suburban vote in this district will be key to a Republican victory. This election will be a Republican-dominated election.
- Illinois 17th Congressional DistrictIn northwest Illinois, Democrat Rep. Eric Sorensen won his seat by 4 points in 2022 and is running for a second term, this time against Republican Judge Joe McGraw. Sorensen has the advantage in this district in the Quad Cities area. The race is ranked D-leaning in the power rankings.
How to Vote in Illinois
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 For Illinois.
Vote by Mail
Illinois began accepting absentee ballots on Thursday. Applicants do not need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The state must receive the ballot application by Oct. 31, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
Early In-Person Voting
Early voting also began in Illinois on Thursday and will continue through November 5th.
Voter Registration
Illinois residents can register to vote online until Oct. 20. They can register by mail until Oct. 8, or in person during early voting or any time on Election Day.
How to Vote in North Dakota
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 For North Dakota.
Vote by Mail
North Dakota began accepting absentee ballots on Thursday. Applicants do not need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The state must receive ballot applications by Nov. 4, and the ballots must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 4.
Early In-Person Voting
Early voting began in some North Dakota counties on Thursday. Other counties are opening early voting later or not at all. State website For more information please click here.
Voter Registration
In North Dakota elections, all eligible citizens can vote without prior registration.
Early voting began in four states on Thursday.
How to Vote in Florida
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 To Florida.
Vote by Mail
Florida began accepting absentee ballots on Thursday. Applicants do not need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The state must receive the ballot application by Oct. 24, and the ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
Early In-Person Voting
Early voting begins on different dates across Florida counties. State website For more information please click here.
Voter Registration
Florida residents can register to vote online, in person or by mail until October 7th.
How to Vote in Michigan
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 To Michigan.
Vote by Mail
Michigan began accepting absentee ballots on Thursday. Applicants do not need to provide a reason to receive a ballot. The state must receive ballot applications by Nov. 1, and the ballots must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.
Early In-Person Voting
Early voting start dates vary by Michigan county. State website For more information please click here.
Voter Registration
Michigan residents can register to vote online or by mail until Oct. 21. They can also register in person during early voting or any time on Election Day.
