<p>The midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, and early voting begins in some states in September.</p>
<p>Three states will start early voting on Friday, Sept. 18: Virginia, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Illinois will begin early voting 40 days before the election, on Sept. 24.</p>
<p>Among the states with early voting in September, Virginia has drawn significant attention due to competitive House races. Democrats are aiming to gain two seats in the 1st and 2nd congressional districts. The 1st District is leaning Republican, while the 2nd District is considered a toss-up, according to analysis from InsideElections.</p>
<p>Incumbent Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) is running for reelection in the 2nd District and is in a close race with Democratic challenger Elaine Luria.</p>
<p>In Minnesota, in-person absentee voting and early voting will commence on Oct. 16. For in-person absentee voting, ballots are counted at a later date and voters must complete an application form before casting their ballot.</p>
<p>Key dates for the states with early voting are as follows:</p>
<h2>Virginia</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/calendars-schedules/upcoming-elections.html">Deadline to register</a> to vote/update registration: Oct. 23</li> <li>Early in-person voting: Sept. 18 through Oct. 31</li> <li>Deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed: Oct. 23</li> </ul>
<h2>South Dakota</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/absentee-voting.aspx">General election</a> date: Nov. 3</li> <li>Voter registration deadline: Oct. 19</li> <li>Absentee voting begins: Sept. 18</li> </ul>
<p>South Dakota employs “in-person absentee voting” instead of traditional early voting.</p>
<h2>Minnesota</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-in-person/">Ballots available</a> for in-person voting: Sept. 18</li> <li>Start of early voting: Oct. 16</li> <li>Last day to vote early in person: Nov. 2</li> </ul>
<h2>Illinois</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://elections.il.gov/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/EarlyVotingLocationsSearch.aspx">Early voting</a>: Sept. 24 through Nov. 2</li> <li>Deadline to register: Illinois offers a grace period to register based on county.</li> <li>General election: Nov. 3</li> </ul>