Early voting is similar to "no-excuse" absentee voting.In many U.S. states, the period can vary between four and fifty days prior to Election Day. Early voting in person is allowed with no excuse required in 39 U.S. states and in the District of Columbia (DC). Absentee voting by mail without excuse is allowed in 27 states and DC. In 16 states, an excuse is required, and in 12 states, a signature by at least one third-party witness is required to notarized the ballot. Vote-by-mail is the default form of voting in 7 states and 2 states (Oregon and Washington) conduct all voting by mail.