Payam Javan: As early in-person voting begins for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, voters in Virginia, South Dakota, and Minnesota are the first to cast ballots, with just over six weeks remaining until Election Day on November 5. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have already faced off in their only debate, while absentee ballots are starting to be mailed out. Many states will follow with early voting by mid-October, with officials hoping for strong voter turnout. In Minnesota, Secretary of State Steve Simon emphasized the need for high participation and minimal drama as election season unfolds.

Election security is a major focus for officials across the country, with extra precautions being taken to protect polling places and staff. Federal authorities are investigating suspicious packages sent to election offices in more than 15 states, including Virginia. Local election directors, such as Mary Lynn Pinkerman of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Eric Spicer of Fairfax County, are working to manage voter turnout through early voting and to avoid long wait times on Election Day. In South Dakota, Minnehaha County is preparing for an 80% turnout, driven in part by statewide ballot measures on abortion rights and recreational marijuana.

Concerns over mail-in voting persist, with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) facing criticism from election officials for delays that could affect voter participation. While Postmaster General Louis DeJoy assured officials that the Postal Service will be ready, voters are being urged to plan ahead by requesting and returning mail-in ballots early. In states like Minnesota, ballots must arrive by Election Day to be counted, further emphasizing the importance of timely voting. Simon urged voters to act now, highlighting the high stakes of the election.