Early Voting Updates
Early voting begins in multiple states as the November general election approaches.
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Key Points
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Virginia early voters must present an acceptable form of identification, and voters should verify their locality’s designated voting site, hours and holiday schedules with the general registrar or the state Department of Elections.
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Virginia voters who are 65 or older or have disabilities can use curbside voting when voting in person.
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Michigan election officials recommend requesting an absentee ballot at least two weeks before Election Day; voters who miss the Oct. 19 online or mail-registration deadline can register in person at their clerk’s office through Election Day.
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In Michigan, voters who are not on the permanent absentee-ballot list can request a ballot online, by mail or at their local clerk’s office.
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The Texas Republican response to Bo French’s remarks focused largely on the political damage to the party: Republicans reportedly called the post “unhelpful,” while the article said no Republican was calling for French to withdraw from the race; French also said Republicans were afraid of being labeled racist.
Voters across multiple states face key deadlines and shifting dates for the 2026 midterm election. Virginia opens early in-person voting on September 18, Michigan makes absentee ballots available September 24, and northeast Ohio will report unofficial results after polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Patch reports that early voting in Michigan runs from October 24 through November 1, with Election Day polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Texas Republican Railroad Commission nominee Bo French faces growing criticism for a social media post targeting South Asian University of Texas students at a football game. CNN and regional outlets reported that state GOP leaders called the post "unhelpful," though no major Republicans have demanded French withdraw. French denies racism and claims the establishment fears being labeled racist.
Virginia's 46-Day Early Voting Window Opens
Virginia voters can begin casting ballots in person starting September 18 for the November 3 general election. Hometown Source reports that a new state law allows cities to administer in-person absentee voting for the full 46-day advance period. 12 on Your Side notes that Henrico County voters can cast ballots at two government center locations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, through October 30.
Virginia voters must present acceptable photo identification and should verify their locality's specific hours and holiday schedules with their county registrar. Voters 65 and older or with disabilities can use curbside voting. The deadline to register online or by mail is October 23, and in-person early voting ends October 31 at 5 p.m.
Michigan Absentee Ballots Available Late September
Michigan registered voters can request absentee ballots starting September 24, with three options: online, by mail, or at their local clerk's office. Patch reports that voters not on the permanent absentee ballot list can submit requests through any of these channels. The state recommends requesting ballots at least two weeks before Election Day to allow processing time.
Online and mail voter registration closes October 19, though voters who miss that deadline can register in person at their clerk's office through Election Day with proof of residency. Most Michigan communities will offer early voting October 24 through November 1. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.
Texas Republican Defends Controversial Social Media Post
Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commission, faces backlash over a social media post targeting South Asian University of Texas students at a football game. CNN reports that French defended the post on a radio show, claiming establishment Republicans spent $7 million against him in the primary and now feared being labeled racist if they criticized him.
State GOP leaders called the post "unhelpful" but stopped short of demanding French's withdrawal. Rep. Drew Darby, chair of the House Energy Resources Committee, condemned it as "racism, plain and simple" and called for an apology. Sen. John Cornyn also denounced the comments as intolerant. University of Texas officials affirmed their pride in the campus's diverse student body.
Northeast Ohio to Report Results County by County
Election officials in northeast Ohio will publish unofficial results shortly after polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Reporting times vary by county board until final certification is complete. This staggered approach allows officials to account for mail-in and provisional ballots while maintaining accuracy across multiple jurisdictions.
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