With more than a month to go before the November 5 presidential election, some Americans are already lining up to cast their ballots in this tightly contested race. For some Americans casting their ballot as soon as it becomes possible is a family tradition.

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

Early in-person voting began Friday in Virginia, Minnesota and South Dakota. The big picture: Ballots cast in the three states mark the opening of the 2024 general election — with all eyes on the highly consequential faceoff between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump.

Election Day is less than 50 days away, but early voting started Friday in three states. Virginia, Minnesota and South Dakota kick off early voting Sept. 20. In Virginia, voters can start lining up at the polls.

Many Americans will choose to vote in the general election before Nov. 5. Which states are kicking off early in-person voting?

Voters lined up Friday 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.

Voting season has officially kicked off as Virginia, South Dakota and Minnesota have opened up their early voting options to the public.

Early voting is happening in Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota. In Minnesota and South Dakota, voters can use an absentee ballot.