TThe November 5 election is fast approaching, and Americans will soon have the opportunity to cast their votes for the next president – and candidates for a wide range of other federal, state and local offices.
But navigating this complex web of deadlines and procedures can be difficult. Election calendars vary considerably from state to state. Some send out mail-in ballots as early as early September, while others start processing them just before the election.
Below, TIME has compiled a list of important election dates and deadlines to help voters navigate the process. This calendar will be updated.
August 2024
August 19 – 22 – Democratic National Convention
Democrats will gather in Chicago for their national convention after Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz were nominated as the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates.
The convention will serve as a platform for them to present their vision and mobilize support. Key events will include speeches, discussions on the party’s manifesto, and activities aimed at mobilizing the democratic base for the upcoming election.
The Republicans held their national convention in Milwaukee in July, where former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance were nominated as the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates.
September 2024
September 4 – Planned presidential debate on Fox News
Trump had proposed a presidential debate on Fox News, but Harris had not agreed to participate as of August 13. Trump has indicated he would be willing to turn the debate into a televised town hall meeting if his opponent disagrees with the network or date.
September 6 – First state begins mail-in voting
Voters in North Carolina will be the first to receive mail-in ballots for the 2024 general election. The state will begin the mail-in voting process on Sept. 6, a full two months before Election Day, by mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who requested mail-in ballots in advance. Rules vary from state to state, depending on whether voters must request mail-in ballots, provide a reason to receive one, or receive one automatically.
Several other states will also begin mail-in voting in September, including Alabama (September 11), Kentucky (September 16), Pennsylvania (September 16), Wisconsin (September 19), Arkansas (September 20), Minnesota (September 20), New York (September 20), South Dakota (September 20), Virginia (September 20), West Virginia (September 20), Idaho (September 21), Louisiana (September 21), New Jersey (September 21), Texas (September 21), Maryland (September 23), Mississippi (September 23), Vermont (September 23), Missouri (September 24), Florida (September 26), Illinois (September 26), Michigan (September 26), North Dakota (September 26), District of Columbia (September 30), and Nebraska (September 30).
The following states will begin voting by mail in October: Connecticut (October 4), Maine (October 6), Massachusetts (October 6), New Hampshire (October 6), South Carolina (October 6), California (October 7), Georgia (October 7), Ohio (October 7), New Mexico (October 8), Wyoming (October 8), Arizona (October 9), Alaska (October 11), Colorado (October 11), Montana (October 11), Utah (October 15), Iowa (October 16), Kansas (October 16), Nevada (October 16), Oregon (October 16), Hawaii (October 18), and Washington (October 18).
September 10 – Presidential debate on ABC
Harris and Trump have agreed to participate in a debate hosted by ABC News, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis.
September 18 – Special election for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District
New Jersey is holding a special election in the 10th Congressional District following the death of Democratic Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April. Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver is the Democratic nominee, while small business owner Carmen Bucco is the Republican nominee.
September 20 – First state begins early voting
Voters in Virginia are the first to be eligible to go to a polling place to cast their early vote.
In other states, please check with local authorities for details, as early voting policies may vary by county.
September 25 – Scheduled presidential debate on NBC
Trump had proposed a presidential debate on NBC News, but Harris had not confirmed her participation as of August 13.
October 2024
October 1 – Vice Presidential Debate on CBS
Walz and Vance will face off in a televised showdown hosted by CBS News, taking place in New York City and moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan.
November 2024
November 5 – Election Day
Voters will not only determine the outcome of the presidential election, but will also play a crucial role in the makeup of Congress and state governments, with 34 Senate seats and all 435 House seats up for election, as well as 12 gubernatorial seats.
December 2024
December 17 – Electors cast their votes
The electors in each state meet to cast their votes for president and vice president. This process is regulated by state law. The electors sign, seal, and certify the electoral votes.
January 2025
January 3 – The 119th Congress convenes
The elected representatives and senators are sworn in.
January 6 – Congress confirms presidential election results
The House of Representatives and the Senate will certify the results of the 2024 presidential election in a joint session, which will also include counting and adding up the ballots for each state.
January 20 – Inauguration Day
The President and Vice President will take their respective oaths of office.
