Vote Early Day Announces October 24 as the 2026 Civic Holiday Celebrating Early Voting
National nonpartisan initiative launches nationwide campaign and grassroots grant program to help communities mobilize voters ahead of the 2026 Midterm Election
NATIONWIDE — Vote Early Day today announced that Saturday, October 24, 2026, will serve as this year's nationwide celebration of early voting, bringing together hundreds of community organizations, businesses, election officials, campuses, libraries, media organizations, and local leaders across the country to encourage Americans to make a voting plan and cast their ballots early ahead of the November midterm elections.
Vote Early Day also announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Grassroots Grant Program, which will provide direct funding to community-based organizations planning nonpartisan voter education, community engagement, and early voting activities leading up to October 24.
"Voting is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways people can shape the future of their communities," said Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of National Vote Early Day and Executive Director of Poder Latinx. "National Vote Early Day is about helping every eligible voter understand their options, make a plan, and participate with confidence. By celebrating this civic holiday on a Saturday and investing directly in trusted community organizations through our Grassroots Grant Program, we're expanding opportunities for more Americans to participate. Local organizations are the backbone of voter education, and these grants will help bring trusted information, resources, and community-centered events to voters where they already live, work, learn, and gather."
Investing in Grassroots Leadership
Community organizations, nonprofits, libraries, campuses, civic groups, and other trusted local partners are encouraged to apply for grants that will support local Vote Early Day activities, including voter education, community events, outreach, and efforts to reduce barriers to participation. Applications are now open through August 31 at www.voteearlyday.org. Funding is limited, and organizations are encouraged to apply early.
In addition to financial support, selected organizations will receive communications resources, planning tools, technical assistance, and promotional materials to help maximize their impact.
Observed every year, Vote Early Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to helping eligible voters understand their early voting options and celebrating participation in democracy. Every year, Americans vote in elections that shape their communities, from local school boards and city councils to statewide and federal offices. By encouraging voters to cast their ballots before Election Day, Vote Early Day helps reduce barriers to participation while giving people greater flexibility and confidence to vote at every level.
More Americans are choosing to vote before Election Day than ever before. Early voting gives working families, students, caregivers, military families, people with disabilities or chronic health conditions, older adults, shift workers, and voters with busy schedules greater flexibility to participate. It also helps voters avoid long lines, resolve unexpected issues before election deadlines, and ensure their voices are heard.
Since its founding, Vote Early Day has inspired hundreds of local events, campus programs, library initiatives, business activations, and voter education campaigns nationwide. This year, organizations across the country will once again host celebrations, educational events, volunteer activities, business activations, and community outreach efforts leading up to Saturday, October 24, helping millions of Americans prepare to vote early with confidence.
Organizations interested in applying for a grassroots grant, becoming a partner, or accessing free Vote Early Day resources can learn more at www.voteearlyday.org.
About National Vote Early Day
National Vote Early Day is a nationwide, nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating early voting and ensuring every eligible voter has the information and tools to vote early with confidence. Founded by MTV, the initiative brings together media companies, businesses, nonprofits, election officials, technology platforms, and community organizations to help Americans understand when, where, and how to vote early. Through this collaborative effort, National Vote Early Day makes early voting easier, strengthens civic participation, and encourages millions of voters to make a plan and cast their ballots before Election Day.