Knowing when Election Day is and understanding the important dates leading up to it are crucial for every eligible voter. Being informed ensures you can register to vote, request absentee ballots if needed, and participate in early voting or on Election Day itself. This guide provides a clear overview of the key election dates for 2024 and 2025, helping you stay informed and prepared to exercise your right to vote.
Election Day 2024: Key Dates
2024 is a major election year, featuring primary elections, runoffs, and the general election. Here’s a breakdown of the important dates you need to know.
Primary Election – March 5, 2024
The primary election is a crucial step in the election process, allowing voters to choose their party’s nominees for the general election. For 2024, the Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Here are other key dates associated with this election:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, September 12, 2023 | First day to file for a place on the Primary ballot for precinct chair candidates. |
| Saturday, November 11, 2023 | First day to file for all other candidates for offices that are regularly scheduled to be on the Primary ballot; first day for independent candidates to file declaration of intent. |
| Monday, December 11, 2023 | Filing deadline for primary candidates; filing deadline for independent candidates to file declaration of intent. |
| Monday, January 1, 2024 | First day to apply for a ballot by mail. |
| Monday, February 5, 2024 | Last Day to Register to Vote |
| Tuesday, February 20, 2024 | First Day of Early Voting |
| Friday, February 23, 2024 | Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) |
| Friday, March 1, 2024 | Last Day of Early Voting |
| Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | Primary Election Day – Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail (by 7:00 p.m. if not postmarked, or next day if postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day). |
Uniform Election Date (Limited) – May 4, 2024
In addition to the major primary and general elections, there are also Uniform Election Dates, primarily for local elections. One of these dates in 2024 is Saturday, May 4, 2024. This date is typically for local non-county political subdivisions.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday, May 4, 2023 | Deadline to post candidate requirements. |
| Monday, December 18, 2023 | Deadline to Post Notice of Candidate Filing Deadline (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only). |
| Monday, January 1, 2024 | First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail. |
| Wednesday, January 17, 2024 | First Day to File for a Place on the General Election Ballot (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only). |
| Friday, February 16, 2024 | Last Day to Order General Election or Special Election on a Measure / Last Day to File for a Place on the General Election Ballot (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only). |
| Tuesday, February 20, 2024 | Last Day to File a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only). |
| Thursday, April 4, 2024 | Last Day to Register to Vote |
| Monday, April 22, 2024 | First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Tuesday, April 23, 2024 | Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) |
| Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Saturday, May 4, 2024 | Uniform Election Date (Limited) – Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail (by 7:00 p.m. if not postmarked, or next business day if postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day). |
Primary Runoff Election – May 28, 2024
If no candidate in a primary election receives a majority of the votes, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters. In 2024, the Primary Runoff Election Day is Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, January 1, 2024 | First day to apply for a ballot by mail. |
| Monday, April 29, 2024 | Last Day to Register to Vote |
| Monday, May 20, 2024 | First Day of Early Voting |
| Friday, May 17, 2024 | Last Day to Apply by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) |
| Friday, May 24, 2024 | Last Day of Early Voting |
| Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | Primary Runoff Election Day – Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail (by 7:00 p.m. if not postmarked, or next business day if postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day). |
Uniform Election Date (General) – November 5, 2024 – Election Day
The main Election Day in 2024, often referred to as the General Election Day, is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is when voters will cast their ballots for president, Congress, and various other federal, state, and local offices.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday, November 5, 2023 | Deadline to post candidate requirements. |
| Thursday, June 20, 2024 | Deadline to Post Notice of Candidate Filing Deadline (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only). |
| Monday, January 1, 2024 | First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail. |
| Saturday, July 20, 2024 | First Day to File for a Place on the General Election Ballot (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only) / First Day to File a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (General Election for State and County Officers). |
| Monday, August 19, 2024 | Last Day to Order General Election or Special Election on a Measure / Last Day to File for a Place on the General Election Ballot (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only) / Last Day to File a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (General Election for State and County Officers). |
| Friday, August 23, 2024 | Last Day to File a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (Local Non-County Political Subdivisions Only). |
| Monday, October 7, 2024 | Last Day to Register to Vote |
| Monday, October 21, 2024 | First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Friday, October 25, 2024 | Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) |
| Friday, November 1, 2024 | Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Tuesday, November 5, 2024 | Uniform Election Date (General) / Election Day – Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail (by 7:00 p.m. if not postmarked, or next business day if postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day). |
Election Day 2025: Key Dates
While 2025 is not a presidential election year, it still holds important local elections. Here are the key dates for elections in 2025.
Uniform Election Date – May 3, 2025
One of the Uniform Election Dates in 2025 is Saturday, May 3, 2025. Similar to 2024, this date is expected to be for local elections.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday, May 3, 2024 | Deadline to post candidate requirements. |
| Monday, December 16, 2024 | Deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline for local political subdivisions. |
| Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | First day to apply for a ballot by mail. |
| Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | First Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY). |
| Friday, February 14, 2025 | Last Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY) / Last Day to Order General Election or Election on a Measure. |
| Thursday, April 3, 2025 | Last Day to Register to Vote |
| Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) |
| Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Uniform Election Date – Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail (by 7:00 p.m. if not postmarked, or next business day if postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day). |
Uniform Election Date – November 4, 2025 – Election Day
In 2025, the second Uniform Election Date, which functions as the General Election Day for that year, is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. These dates for 2025 are subject to potential changes from the 2025 legislative session.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, November 4, 2024 | Deadline to post candidate requirements. |
| Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | First day to apply for a ballot by mail. |
| Friday, June 20, 2025 | Deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline for local political subdivisions. |
| Saturday, July 19, 2025 | First Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY). |
| Monday, August 18, 2025 | Last Day to Order General Election or Election on a Measure / Last Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY). |
| Monday, October 6, 2025 | Last Day to Register to Vote |
| Monday, October 20, 2025 | First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Friday, October 24, 2025 | Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) |
| Friday, October 31, 2025 | Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance |
| Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | Uniform Election Date / Election Day – Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail (by 7:00 p.m. if not postmarked, or next business day if postmarked by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day). |
Stay Informed and Vote!
Knowing “What Day Is Election Day” is just the first step. It’s equally important to be aware of all the deadlines, including voter registration, early voting, and mail-in ballot applications. Make sure you are registered, understand your voting options, and make your voice heard in the upcoming elections in 2024 and 2025. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check with your local election officials.
