The 2024 U.S. presidential polls are drawing closer and more and more voters are resorting to different methods of voting such as considering absentee and mail-in voting. Many people confuse these terms and use them as synonyms while in real sense, they are not. Knowing the difference between the two will enable you to select the most suitable method of voting that suits your needs.
What is absentee voting?
Absentee voting is intended for individuals who will not be able to cast their votes on Election Day in person. Historically, however, people requesting absentee ballots from the electoral authorities had to provide particular explanations for their absence, such as military service, out of state education, or health issues. After requesting a ballot from the state election office, you complete it and then return it by mail or take it to a designated place. The practice of absentee voting is very old and has been practiced especially during times of conflict such as with the Civil War when soldiers needed to cast their votes.
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What is no-excuse absentee voting?
In many states, citizens can vote via absentee ballots without having to give a precise reason for doing so. This approach is known as “no-excuse absentee voting.” This means you can simply ask for an absentee ballot without the need to show cause why you would not be available on Election Day. In states that provide no-excuse absentee voting options, there are efforts to expand the voting opportunities to all voters by allowing them to vote from anywhere, irrespective of their circumstances.
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What is mail-in voting?
Also known as postal votes, mail-in voting is a system in which a ballot is automatically forwarded to every registered voter who neatly fills it up and mails it back or drops it off at a designated location. This is often the case in states that practice all mail elections such as Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Mail-in ballots most often do not require the additional effort of requesting for a ballot for the voter. Other states prefer referring to this process as ‘advance ballots’ or ‘by-mail ballots’. The intention of this method is to encourage more people to vote, especially in the targeted areas where there have always been few voters.
Absentee ballots vs. Mail-in ballots: key differences
As much as absentee and mail in ballots are identical, here are some key differences:
- Eligibility criteria: Absentee ballot elections require a valid cause for the absence but individual states that allow applications for them without such cause or reasons are known as no-excuse absent-in-ballot states. In some other states, however, mail-in ballots are also issued to all registered voters automatically.
- Procedure: In states that offer the absentee ballot option, the request for an absentee ballot has to be made to the relevant state office while in states with all-mail voting systems, the mail-in or postal ballots are sent automatically to the voters.
- Terms: This also may differ from one state to another. For example, some states call no-excuse absentee voting as mail-in voting.
Common misconceptions about Absentee and Mail-in voting
There are a few misconceptions about mail-in and absentee voting, often related to “ballot harvesting” (when third parties collect ballots and submit them). While legal in some states, ballot harvesting is restricted in others to prevent potential issues. It’s also worth noting that voting fraud is rare, with few cases documented in recent decades.
How to request an absentee or mail-in ballot
If you plan to vote absentee, contact your state election office to request your ballot, either online or via mail. Each state has specific procedures, so it’s essential to check the deadlines and requirements for your area. Mail-in ballots, if you are in an all-mail voting state, will be sent directly to you before Election Day.
Understanding these distinctions can empower you to make the best choice for your voting needs this November. Whether you choose absentee or mail-in voting, both methods make voting more accessible.
