Early Voting: How Early Is Too Early?

Growing Debate Over Early Voting Length

As early voting expands nationwide, a new Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that while most Americans have participated in early voting, many believe the window should be shorter. The poll found that 52% of likely U.S. voters have voted early in person, but 65% of those voters think early voting should be limited to two weeks or less before Election Day.

Virginia Sparks Renewed Attention

The discussion reignited following Virginia’s recent off-year elections, where voters could cast ballots up to 45 days early, one of the longest periods in the nation. The survey shows that 31% of respondents favor one week or less, another 31% prefer one to two weeks, and just 20% support three or more weeks of early voting. Fourteen percent of voters oppose early voting altogether.

Party and Demographic Divides

Partisan differences are clear. Democrats are more likely to support longer early voting periods, while Republicans and conservatives favor shorter or no early voting. Among independents, opinions are nearly evenly split. Men are slightly more likely than women to favor shorter voting windows, and majorities across racial categories — including 63% of white voters and 59% of Black voters — support limiting early voting to two weeks or less.