Early voting
There are different regulations on the time and avenue through which a citizen can vote. Early voting is available in 33 states and Washington, D.C. This must be done in person at a designated polling place. Early voting period lengths vary from state to state. If a potential voter is not able to vote in person on Election Day or during the early voting period, they may request an absentee ballot. In 20 states, an excuse must be filed to receive the absentee ballot. In 27 states and Washington, D.C., a voter may acquire an absentee ballot without an excuse. In Washington, Oregon and Colorado, all voting is done through the mail. A ballot is mailed to the voters residence and after the voter fills it out, he/she may mail it back. No in person polls are conducted. Otherwise, the typical voting period is twelve hours on a weekday at which time voters must go to the polls in person and cast their votes.