Voting in the 21st Century: Mail Ballots and Election Day Polling

With the mass availability of online voter information and easy access to local voting procedures, the process of casting a ballot has never been easier. Voters today have several options, from traditional in-person polling to the convenience of mail ballots.

States Adapting to Absentee Voting

As of the 2020 presidential election, nine states, including the District of Columbia, opted to mail ballots directly to all registered voters to simplify the voting process. These states were Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Vermont, New Jersey, and Hawaii. Other states required an excuse for absentee voting, such as New York, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The remaining 34 states allowed absentee voting for all registered voters.

State laws can significantly differ, so it's essential to check the latest policies for the upcoming midterms. Deadlines and requirements can change year to year, so do not delay in verifying the information for your state.

In-Person Voting vs. Mail Balloting

The method of voting can vary widely by location. Within the United States, elections are primarily governed by state law, leading to diverse practices. In some states, such as Pennsylvania, voters must go to a designated polling place, such as a city hall, a church, or a fire station. However, this may not be necessary if a valid reason is provided for needing to vote by mail, such as being out of town or having a disability that prevents in-person voting.

Other states allow people to vote by mail without any excuse. In Oregon, voting by mail is particularly streamlined. Ballots are mailed to all registered voters about three weeks before an election, arriving in three envelopes: the delivery, mailing, and secrecy envelopes. Once the voter has cast their ballot, they place it in the secrecy envelope, then the mailing envelope, which requires a signature and a barcode.

The electoral office then compares the signature on the mailing envelope with the registered voter's signature. If they match, the ballot is considered validated. The secrecy envelope containing the ballot is stored separately, ensuring no balloting can be tied back to the individual. These ballots are then tabulated using machine-readable devices, which are disconnected from the internet to prevent hacking.

Automation and Transparency in Voting

In close initiatives, such as Oregon's 2014 election, the entire process of counting votes by hand can be observed by volunteers. This transparency not only builds trust but also ensures accuracy. For example, in a populous county during a close recount, it took two days to count the votes, but the final results aligned closely with the initial tally.

In Washington state, which follows a similar mail ballot process, the convenience further extends to the envelopes containing voted ballots being postage-paid. Oregon and Washington prioritise making voting accessible and convenient for all eligible voters, embodying an essential American ideal.

In conclusion, whether you choose to vote by mail or go to the polls on Election Day, the mechanism and requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. Understanding your state's specific policies and adhering to deadlines will ensure your vote is counted. The transition to mail ballots and other voting innovations reflects a commitment to expanding access to the democratic process.