The Carroll Standard

Early Voting Tears America's Civic Fabric

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In a society accustomed to Netflix, DVR and video-on-demand, its probably not surprising we're moving towards elections-on-demand. Today, half the states have started early voting for the November elections. The remaining states will make early voting available over the coming weeks. By Election Day, it is expected that around 35% of voters will have already cast their ballot. The decline of America's civic tradition of collectively voting on a single day will have a dramatic impact on future campaigns.

Thirty-two states allow in-person early voting within a certain time period. South Dakota, Vermont and Idaho have already started this. Other states will offer this over the coming weeks. In most cases, early voting will end a few days before election day. (A good calendar of early voting can be found here.)

All states allow absentee voting, but in 21 states, voters need an excuse to cast an absentee ballot. They have to show they will be out of town on Election Day or have some other work, family or medical obligation that day. In 27 states, however, anyone can cast an absentee ballot for no explicit reason. Two state, Oregon and Washington, conduct their entire election by mail. There are no polling places at all. (A good map of which states allow absentee and early voting can be found here.) ... Much more on Breitbart.com