Question about voting by mail vs early voting

[drmeow]

So, we requested vote by mail ballots cause we're not used to living somewhere that has early voting. We just got our ballots in the mail. We were going to drop them off at the local general registry office rather than mailing them. But now we're wondering if it would be better to return the vote by mail ballots unopened (which is what is says to do if you decide not to vote absentee) and vote early.

Which votes are more likely to be counted or is it 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other?

Thanks!