Voting by mail, mail-in voting, and absentee ballot voting are all (slightly different) processes you can follow to cast your ballot through the mail. Whichever processes your state uses, voting by mail has been a staple of US elections for over 100 years.
It's no wonder why! Voting by mail is a vital ballot-casting option for millions of voters — especially those with disabilities or accessibility issues, caregivers who cannot make it to in-person polling places, people with strict work schedules, voters with crowd sensitivity, people who are immunocompromised, and military and overseas voters.
Here, we'll outline the most important things to know about casting your ballot by mail, so you can have confidence in this voting option, even if you choose a different option yourself.
It's Important to Check Deadlines & State Requirements
Requesting your ballot. Many states require voters to request an absentee or mail ballot ahead of an election. Be sure to check your state's deadline and instructions . Your state may have limitations on who can request an absentee or mail-in ballot, so be sure to review these for your eligibility. If you send your ballot request by mail, we recommend sending it at least one month before the election.
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Returning your ballot. After you fill out your ballot, be sure to follow all instructions listed before you return it. This may include signing the envelope, having a witness sign the envelope, submitting a copy of a photo ID, or other requirements. Be sure to check your state's deadline for returning your ballot.
If you return your ballot by mail, we recommend doing so at least one week before your election to ensure timely delivery and postmarking. You should go inside the post office to drop off your ballot and ask for a manual postmark if you are getting close to your state's deadline.
There May Be Several Ways to Return Your Ballot
Mailing back your absentee or mail ballot may not be your only option! Some states allow voters to return their ballots by hand to an election office or polling place, and some states have specialized ballot drop boxes to receive ballots at central locations throughout the community. Be sure to check your state's options for returning your ballot
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Voting by Mail is Secure
Rest assured, voting by mail is secure! Well-established, and time-tested state ballot handling procedures will keep your ballot secure. Procedures may include verifying signatures, tracking barcodes, and setting clear chains of custody for all ballots.
When it comes to counting your ballot, election officials implement ballot processing and tabulation safeguards designed to ensure each ballot is correctly counted. All states have some form of pre- and post-testing of voting equipment, as well as ballot counting processes open for public observation, and many more states have implemented post-election audits. Post-election audits, including ‘risk-limiting-audits,' ensure that the vote count was done correctly and that we can trust the results.
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Learn about mail-in ballot verification in your state.
Consider Your Other Voting Options
Voting by mail is a great option for casting your ballot. But it's certainly not your only option! Where available, you can also consider early voting in person at an early voting polling place, or voting in person on Election Day at your designated polling place.. Be sure to consider all these options and make your voting plan well before Election Day, and encourage friends and family to do so too!
However you make your voice heard in elections, you can do so with confidence using tools like VOTE411 to understand all your options, from voting methods to candidate information. Check out what’s coming up in your state today!