Fact Check: New election laws could drastically change early voting days and polling locations
What We Know
Recent discussions have emerged regarding potential changes to early voting laws and polling locations in various states. For instance, in Maryland, early voting for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election is scheduled from June 11 to June 18, 2026, with polling centers open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Notably, individuals who are eligible but not yet registered can register and vote during this period, a change from previous regulations where only registered voters could participate in early voting (Maryland State Board of Elections).
In Virginia, early voting allows any registered voter to vote at any early voting location within their county, which differs from the requirement to vote at designated polling places on Election Day. This flexibility is designed to increase voter participation (Fairfax County Elections). Additionally, the City of Alexandria has confirmed that early voting will begin 45 days prior to elections, with specific polling locations designated for early voting (City of Alexandria, VA).
Analysis
The claim that "new election laws could drastically change early voting days and polling locations" is partially true. Evidence suggests that while some states are indeed modifying their early voting laws to enhance accessibility—such as allowing same-day registration and broader voting locations—these changes are not uniform across all states and may not be as drastic as implied.
For example, Maryland's new provision allowing eligible voters to register during early voting represents a significant shift in policy aimed at increasing voter access (Maryland State Board of Elections). However, this change does not necessarily equate to a drastic alteration of early voting days or locations, as the overall structure of early voting remains similar.
In Virginia, the existing framework already allows for flexibility in early voting locations, which may not be a "drastic" change but rather a continuation of policies designed to facilitate voter participation (Fairfax County Elections). The City of Alexandria's early voting practices also reflect established procedures rather than significant changes (City of Alexandria, VA).
Overall, while there are changes in some jurisdictions aimed at improving voter access, the extent and impact of these changes vary significantly across different states and do not uniformly indicate a drastic overhaul of early voting practices.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. While there are indeed new laws and changes that could affect early voting, such as allowing same-day registration and broader access to polling locations, the claim that these changes will drastically alter early voting days and polling locations is not universally applicable. The changes are significant in some areas but do not represent a comprehensive overhaul across all states.
