2021: Two-year-old season

Early Voting began his racing career on December 18 in a maiden special weight race over one mile at Aqueduct Racetrack. He faced six other entrants, of which five had previous experience. Nonetheless, Early Voting was highly considered and started as the 19-20 odds-on favorite. He broke well from the outside post and pressed the early pace. He took the lead on the final turn and held under steady urging to win by 1+1⁄2 lengths in a time of 1:38.41 on a fast track.^[7]

2022: Three-year-old season

Early Voting began his three-year-old campaign in the Grade III Withers Stakes on February 5 at Aqueduct, one of the early events on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby for New York-based horses. Early Voting, the 13-10 favorite, faced ten other three-year-olds on a clear day with a track that was considered muddy. Jockey Jose Ortiz had Early Voting breaking from the gate quickly and established a two-length lead after a half-mile in :48.04. From there, he was able cruise along on the front, increasing the lead to 3+1⁄2 lengths after six furlongs in 1:14.29. Early Voting sped away to a safe 6+1⁄2-length lead at the eighth pole and covered the 1+1⁄8 miles in 1:55.90.^[4] Trainer Brown was reserved in commenting after the race. "He's still inexperienced, and might have been looking for company in the stretch. He'll get better with more seasoning."^[4]

After a break of eight weeks, Early Voting was entered in the Grade II Wood Memorial, Aqueduct's most important Kentucky Derby prep. Facing seven other entrants, Early Voting was installed as the third favorite at odds of 5-2 behind Morello and Mo Donegal.^[8] Early Voting started sharply and led carving out the early fractions of :47.75 and 1:11.59 on a fast track.^[9] However, Early Voting was caught on the line and beaten by a neck by the fast finishing Mo Donegal. Trainer Brown said, "He ran a great race. He was second-best today but that was no disgrace."^[9]

Early Voting earned 40 qualification points for the Kentucky Derby and after the event was in 16th place for qualification.^[9] However, Brown and owner Seth Klarman opted to bypass the Derby because they felt the colt did not have a realistic chance to win the race because of his limited experience.^[9] "When you start participating in the Kentucky Derby enough now, you realize what a tough race it is with 20 horses", said Brown. "As the trainer, you have to deal with the aftermath when it doesn't work out. And sometimes, it's not pretty. Those horses need time physically or mentally, and it can really cost a good part of your three-year-old year if you swing and miss."^[10]