Access to early voting has seen major expansion since 2000, report finds

Washington — Around 97% of eligible voters can vote ahead of Election Day this year, marking a major change from just a couple decades ago, according to a report released Tuesday by the Center for Election Innovation & Research, with experts saying the increased early access bolsters election integrity and protects against misinformation.

In 2000, just 40% of eligible voters could cast their vote before election day, but in 2024, Alabama, Delaware, Mississippi and New Hampshire are the only states that aren't offering an early-voting option, with the number of states with the option rising from 24 in 2000 to 46 this year. And in 36 states and Washington, D.C., voters also have the option to vote by mail without being required to provide a specific reason.

David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research and CBS News election law contributor, said that in 2000, 60% of all voters had no option but to vote on Election Day, "a single Tuesday in November." But options have since expanded.