The 2020 United States presidential election is somehow already less than 70 days away. If you're eligible to vote on November 3, you should! The Covid-19 pandemic has created some additional logistical considerations, though. You can still vote in person, but officials around the country are encouraging people to vote absentee by mail if possible to reduce crowds and make social distancing easier at polling places. And you may prefer to vote by mail regardless this year to safeguard your health, especially if you have underlying conditions or circumstances that put you at extra risk.
Regardless of why you may want to vote by mail, we're going to show you how, including the deadlines you need to hit for every state to make sure your ballot gets there on time.
Why Everyone's Talking About Voting by Mail
The main rule of thumb for voting by mail is simply to request your ballot as far in advance as possible—if required in your state—and then return it as soon as you can. That's especially important this year, when substantially more ballots than usual will be mailed in most states and the Postal Service is grappling with massive budget deficits and operational cuts under postmaster general Louis DeJoy. The longtime Republican fundraiser and Trump supporter has instituted measures that have reportedly slowed the mail, though DeJoy testified before Congress recently that he has halted those reforms until after the election. "Transitions don't always go smoothly," he said this week.
"I am not engaged in sabotaging the election," he told the House Oversight Committee. "We will do everything in our power and structure to deliver the ballots on time."
But President Donald Trump has consistently undermined that message, seizing on emergency absentee by mail voting measures as partisan efforts to "rig" the election in favor of his opponent Joe Biden. Trump argues that expanding mail voting will favor the Democrats, an idea not supported by research. And he alleges that widespread mail voting will lead to rampant fraud, even though mail voting scams are extremely rare.
The bottom line for election officials and researchers, though, is that mail voting is safe and secure.
"We're encouraging everyone to vote by mail and will continue to do things to try to get people to be more comfortable with it," says TJ Pyche, director of communications and outreach for Alachua County, Florida's Supervisor of Elections. "For every person who sends in a vote by mail ballot that's one less person at polling places on Election Day. It does make those social distancing protocols and procedures easier. But if you don’t want to vote by mail you don’t have to. We're telling people here to do what they’re comfortable with and just make sure that they vote."
Vote by mail doesn't offer perfect security, but it's not intended to be Fort Knox. Think of it instead as using the barking dog model: You have a lock and deadbolt on your front door, but the real way you'll know about an intruder is if your dog starts flipping out in the middle of the night.
"We can detect issues if they arise," says Ben Adida, executive director at VotingWorks, a nonprofit election vendor. "And especially when it comes to vote by mail and voter impersonation, you might get away with impersonating a small number of voters and you won’t swing the election, but if you do anything at scale you’re going to get found out. I don’t worry about the risk of fraud, because there are processes in place for ensuring everybody only gets to vote once."
The FBI confirmed as much on Wednesday. "We have not seen, to date, a coordinated national voter fraud effort during a major election," a senior Federal Bureau of Investigation official said in a call with reporters. "It would be extraordinarily difficult to change a federal election outcome through this type of fraud alone."
How to Get Started
OK, so how do you do it? If you live in Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Utah, you've already had almost total mail voting in previous elections, so just proceed as usual. But the first step is always to make sure you're registered to vote. You can check your current status and find your state's directions at Vote.gov. Once you're registered, you'll need to request a mail ballot if your state isn't going to send you one automatically, fill it out when it arrives, and return it with as much time left as possible before Election Day. You can find all the state-by-state details below.
In most states you can also return your ballot in person, either at municipal offices like your county clerk's office or to secure drop boxes set up specifically for this purpose in your area. You can also return your ballot to a polling place on Election Day in many states. If you want to go that route, find your state's election website here for details.
Otherwise, the specifics of mail voting in every state are below. But first a quick note about who can and can't vote in presidential elections. People born in and living in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands are US citizens or US nationals and can vote in congressional elections and presidential primaries, but can't vote in presidential elections. In many states people who have been convicted of a felony can't vote for a period of time or indefinitely. Intellectual disabilities can also impact voting rights in different states. All other US citizens who are 18 or older can vote, even if they're homeless (though this can be challenging in practice).
Now scroll to your home state for specific details. Happy voting!
Alabama
Deadline to register: October 19
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 29
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 2
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day, 12pm
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Alaska
Deadline to register: October 4
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 24
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 13
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Arizona
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Arkansas
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
California
Deadline to register: October 19
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 20
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Colorado
Deadline to register: October 26
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Connecticut
Deadline to register: October 27
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: No
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Delaware
Deadline to register: October 10
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
District of Columbia
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 10
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Florida
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 24
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Georgia
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 30
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Hawaii
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: No
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Idaho
Deadline to register: October 9
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 23
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Illinois
Deadline to register: October 18
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 29
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 17
Ballot Tracking: No
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Indiana
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here (Automatic PDF download)
Deadline to request ballot: October 22
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: No
Iowa
Deadline to register: October 24
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 24
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 2
Ballot must be received by: November 9
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Kansas
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 6
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Kentucky
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Louisiana
Deadline to register: October 14
Request a ballot: Here or here
Deadline to request ballot: October 30
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Maine
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 29
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: No
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Maryland
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 20
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 13
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Massachussetts
Deadline to register: October 24
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 30
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 6
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Michigan
Deadline to register: October 19
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 30
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Minnesota
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: November 2
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 10
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Mississippi
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: November 2
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 8
Ballot Tracking: No
Missouri
Deadline to register: October 7
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 21
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: No
Montana
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: Varies by county
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Nebraska
Deadline to register: October 16
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 23
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person until October 23
Nevada
Deadline to register: October 6
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: Sent automatically
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 10
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register online through October 29. In person registration available on Election Day
New Hampshire
Deadline to register: October 21
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: November 2
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
New Jersey
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 10
Ballot Tracking: Yes
New Mexico
Deadline to register: October 6
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 30
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: No
Notes: Register in person through October 31
New York
Deadline to register: October 9
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 10
Ballot Tracking: No
Notes: Request an absentee ballot in person until November 2
North Carolina
Deadline to register: October 9
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 6
Ballot Tracking: Yes
North Dakota
Deadline to register: Not required
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: Varies by county
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 2
Ballot must be received by: November 9
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Ohio
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 31
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 2
Ballot must be received by: November 13
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Oklahoma
Deadline to register: October 9
Request a ballot: Here or here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: October 27
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Oregon
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Pennsylvania
Deadline to register: October 19
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Rhode Island
Deadline to register: October 3
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 14
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register online or in person through October 4
South Carolina
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 30
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person through October 2 or online through October 4
South Dakota
Deadline to register: October 19
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: November 2
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 2
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Tennessee
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 27
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Texas
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 23
Excuse Needed: Yes
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 4
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Utah
Deadline to register: October 5
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 2
Ballot must be received by: November 9
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register online through October 23 or in person on Election Day
Vermont
Deadline to register: November 3, Election Day
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 2
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Virginia
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 23 by mail and online, October 31 in person
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 6
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Washington
Deadline to register: October 26
Request a ballot: Sent automatically
Deadline to request ballot: N/A
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: No deadline
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person through Election Day
West Virginia
Deadline to register: October 13
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 28
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: November 3, Election Day
Ballot must be received by: November 9
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Wisconsin
Deadline to register: October 14
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: October 29
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day
Wyoming
Deadline to register: October 20
Request a ballot: Here
Deadline to request ballot: November 2
Excuse Needed: No
Deadline to postmark: N/A
Ballot must be received by: November 3, Election Day
Ballot Tracking: Yes
Notes: Register in person on Election Day