Early Voting Begins in Four States for 2026 Election

Early voting for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election begins Sept. 18 in Virginia, South Dakota and Minnesota, while Illinois begins on Sept. 24. Virginia voters will decide the U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Mark Warner and Republican nominee Bert Mizusawa, along with congressional, legislative and local contests, including a special House election in parts of Prince William County. Statewide ballot measures address reproductive freedom, same-sex marriage and restoration of voting rights for people who have completed felony sentences. Local Virginia ballots include bond requests for schools, transportation, parks, public safety and infrastructure, as well as a proposed Fairfax City sales tax for school and transit projects and up to $356.5 million in Loudoun County bonds. Minnesota allows no-excuse mail voting, with mailed absentee ballots due by 8 p.m. on Election Day and hand-delivered ballots due by 5 p.m.; the state is funding election-security efforts after reduced federal cooperation. Illinois voters will consider statewide, county and local contests, including school funding questions, with expanded Kane County early-voting sites, mobile locations and grace-period registration available beginning Oct. 7.