In 1987, Texas became the first state to allow early voting, increasing the opportunity to cast an in-person ballot before election day. Voting by mail also is available to certain Texans. In Texas, all registered voters can cast a ballot during the early voting period without giving a reason.

The election process is officially underway for many Americans in different states across the country, Bret Baier takes a look at how voting changes statewide and nationally.