U.S. Presidential polls: In-person voting begins, kicking off the sprint to Election Day

In-person voting starts in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia, marking the beginning of the 2024 presidential election season.

In-person voting for this year’s presidential election began Friday (September 20, 2024), a milestone that kicked off a six-week sprint to Election Day after a summer of political turmoil.

Voters lined up to cast their ballots in Minnesota, South Dakota and Virginia, the states with the first early in-person voting opportunities. About a dozen more states will follow by mid-October.

Also read: The battleground States that could decide the U.S. Presidential elections | Data

At a polling site in Minneapolis, Jason Miller arrived well before the polls opened at 8 a.m. and was first in line. He was among roughly 75 people who cast ballots in the first hour at the city's early voting center.

“Why not try to be first? That’s kind of fun, right?” said the 37-year-old house painter.

He said he voted “against crazy,” but didn’t want to name his choice for president.

“I don’t think I have to. I think that’s pretty obvious. I think that’s very, very clear," he said.