All 50 states and the District of Columbia use mailed-out ballots, but their regulations and practices widely vary. Which states mail ballots automatically to all registered voters, and which allow any voter to request one? How easy is obtaining a ballot, and what return options exist? Can voters apply online for their mailed-out ballot, or must they submit a paper form? Can voters sign-up once to receive ballots for all future elections for which they're eligible, or must they apply for every election? These components, and more, influence voters' access to, trust in, and security of this essential voting method. We have identified and weighed 15 key criteria to answer these questions, plus more.
The resource lays out the Vote at Home process, from ballot requested to ballot counted, as a tool for civic engagement groups seeking to boost
National Association of Counties — The National Vote at Home Institute is a nonpartisan group that works to increase voter access to voting-by-mail. The nonprofit’s
Stateline — “Americans have used mail ballots for over a hundred years because they provide a safe and convenient way to ensure the right to
The last two decades have seen a large expansion in the number of states offering options to vote before election day, from 24 states in
Many states are undertaking pro-democracy reforms to improve voter access and engagement, including Same Day / Election Day (SDR / EDR) registration, online registration, automatic
An analysis of voting file data provides powerful, new evidence of significantly higher turnout in the 2020 presidential election among 18–34-year-olds, including voters of color,
Based on Census data, voter turnout increased in 2022 by 1.6 points among citizens with disabilities relative to the 2018 midterm elections, while it decreased
