Absentee voting is on track be used more in 2020 than in any previous election. However, there are important things to know about your absentee ballot before you cast it.
This article is part of COURIER’s Your Vote 2020 hub. For more stories from each of the battleground states, along with national reporting, visit the site here.
Given the high number of Americans who have either relocated during the coronavirus pandemic or are unsure of where they’ll be living on Election Day, absentee ballots are going to be a popular voting option this year. In fact, an analysis by The New York Times stated that experts are predicting a whopping 80 million mail-in ballots this year, which is more than double the number of mailed ballots during the 2016 election.
In many states, absentee ballots are being allowed this year without a reason or excuse, to help people vote safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that is not the case in every state and you should always consult your local rules.
If you’re unsure of the general rules of absentee voting, or still deciding whether it’s the best voting method for you, read our comprehensive guide to absentee ballots below.
What is an absentee ballot?
An absentee ballot is used to cast an absentee vote—usually by mail—for registered voters who are unable to be physically present at a polling place on Election Day. All states have some form of absentee voting in 2020. In the past, though, excuses were generally needed to file an absentee ballot. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, many states—but not all—are allowing people to cast absentee ballots without an excuse.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Due to COVID-19, some states like Colorado and Oregon are automatically sending an absentee ballot to all registered voters. For other states, you should check your local election official website or vote.org for information on how to request an absentee ballot.
You can typically do so both online and by mail. Note that two-thirds of states allow registered voters to vote absentee without offering an excuse, while the remaining one-third require an excuse as to why absentee voting is necessary. The situation is fluid, though, so you should always check with your state for the latest guidance.
How do absentee ballots work?
Once registered to vote, voters must request an absentee ballot for most states by following the guidelines on each state’s official election website. A few states like Hawaii and Utah hold all-mail ballot elections, so ballots are automatically sent in the mail to registered voters; note that these will go to the address at which you’re registered to vote.
If the absentee ballot application is approved, voters will then receive their ballot in the mail. After filling out the ballot and strictly following instructions, voters will either mail in the ballot or drop it off at a designated site such as an early voting polling center.
When do I have to request my absentee ballot?
The deadline to request an absentee ballot varies by state, so always check your local election’s official website for specific dates. Typically, the deadline is no more than 11 days before the election, but you’ll want to allow for plenty of time to have the absentee ballot application accepted, receive your ballot, and mail in your ballot in time for the election.
Are absentee ballots the same as voting by mail?
While the terms absentee ballots and voting by mail (also called mail-in ballots) are often used interchangeably, there are differences between the two. Essentially, an absentee ballot is a ballot filled out by a voter who cannot physically make it to a polling place on Election Day. In most states this year, it must still be requested.
Voting by mail and mail-in ballots, meanwhile, are a broader term to describe ballots sent through the mail, including in all-mail voting states and some forms of absentee voting. In states where mail-in voting is the norm, ballots are often mailed directly to voters without needing to apply.
Should I be concerned about delays at the USPS?
The short answer? No. But that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to vote absentee.
The USPS can handle a huge number of mail, and this year the amount of mail being handled is substantially lower due to the pandemic. According to the New York Times, even if every person voted by mail, it would not result in as much additional mail volume as a typical holiday season.
Still, it’s best to apply for absentee voting as early as possible so that you can return the ballot without worrying that it might not get counted in time.
When are absentee ballots counted?
Absentee ballots are counted at varying times according to local laws, though most absentee counting can only begin on Election Day.
Lara Grant Lara Grant is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City. She's also a certified meditation teacher and has her own programs aimed to bring more peace into people's lives.
