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Absentee/ Mail-In Voting
Each state has a different process and requirements so you can vote by mail. Some states require you have a valid reason, but other states are "no excuse" and you can request an absentee/ mail-in ballot because you'd prefer to vote that way. Keep in mind, being away from home on Election Day is a valid reason to receive an absentee/ mail-in ballot.
Click on your home state to begin the process of getting your absentee/ mail-in ballot!
In this section you can request your absentee/ mail-in ballot, learn what states are mail-in voting states, learn about how absentee voting works, how to return your ballot, tools to aid in mailing and tracking your ballot, and get information about overseas voting and voting in the military.
Mail-In Voting States
Some states automatically mail all of their residents a ballot so they can vote by mail. Of these states, some do not have in-person voting at all and only conduct elections with mail-in voting. The states that send ballots to all residents are shown below.
If you have questions about how your state conducts elections, make sure to contact your state's Board of Elections, Secretary of State, or county's board/ office of elections.
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Updated as of 4/3/2024
There are 8 states and Washington D.C. that conduct elections through the mail.
How it Works
Some places require you to have a reason to request your ballot so you can vote by mail, while others do not. In places that require a reason, being away from home on Election Day is an approved reason for why you need to get your mail-in ballot.
To begin, you need to request your mail-in ballot be sent to you. If you live in a state that automatically mails every registered voter a ballot, then make sure that it is being mailed to an address where you can receive it. If you run into any problems or have questions, contact the board of elections of the state you are registered to vote in.
After you receive your ballot, follow the directions you're given on how to cast your vote and prepare your ballot to be sent back. Some places provide pre-paid postage so you don't need to purchase a stamp, but other states do not.
If you do not have a stamp or don't have the means to acquire one, mail your ballot anyway! The post office will mail your ballot regardless and charge the board of elections.
If you run into any problems, or have questions, when it comes to your mail-in/ absentee ballot, contact your state's board of elections or the board of elections in the county you are registered to vote in.
Returning Your Ballot
If you are voting by mail/ voting absentee, then you have to return your ballot in order for it to be counted. States vary in strictness and have certain rules for when, where, and how you can return your ballot. It's very important that you know what you have to do in order for your vote to be counted.
All states allow you to mail your ballot back and some also allow you drop your ballot off in person.
Mailing Your Ballot:
Find a post office you can mail your ballot at (and buy a stamp at too).
Track Your Ballot:
After you mail your ballot you can track its progress. You should do this to
ensure that there are no problems and that your vote will be counted.
Click to track your
mail-in/ absentee ballot