How to Vote By Mail in All 50 States
Most states allowed for no-excuse mail or absentee voting even before the coronavirus pandemic.
The processes and requirements to vote by mail vary from state to state.JASON REDMOND/AFP/Getty Images
Voting by mail is a possibility in every state in the nation, but a months-long political battle has made the process a central issue heading into the 2020 election.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, a majority of states have allowed registered voters to receive absentee or mail-in ballots with no excuse required. Some states have now added the pandemic – even, simply, a fear of becoming infected by COVID-19 – to its list of excuses. Other states, such as Indiana, Louisiana and Texas, do not allow the coronavirus to be an excuse for voting by mail.
The debate over voting by mail was launched largely by President Donald Trump, who frequently attacks the concept of "universal" mail voting through his Twitter account and during news conferences. The president and the Republican Party have sued a number of states, such as Nevada, over new relaxed voting measures.
The U.S. Postal Service came to the center of the debate more recently, with Trump opposing billions of funding for the agency and linking this with his opposition to mail voting. The agency, headed by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, recently warned all states that it might not be able to meet the current deadlines for mail-in ballots for the November election.
How the battle plays out over voting-by-mail is uncertain. But the current processes and requirements are largely different in each state, and even the terms are used differently.
What's the difference between absentee voting and voting by mail?
Operationally, the practices are essentially the same. Some states use the term "absentee ballot" and others use "mail ballot," or even other, similar terms, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The differences mainly have to do with how each state handles its absentee voting system. All states provide an absentee or mail ballot for voters upon request, according to the NCSL. But some states require an excuse for requesting an absentee or mail ballot, while others allow voters to request an absentee ballot without an excuse.
Five states – Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Utah – conduct their elections entirely by mail, according to the NCSL. In a similar fashion for this year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order in May that requires ballots to be automatically mailed to each voter prior to the November election due to the coronavirus pandemic.
See below for information about how to vote by mail in each state, territory and Washington, D.C.
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | American Samoa | Guam | Northern Mariana Islands | Puerto Rico | U.S. Virgin Islands
Does Alabama allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes. Alabama allows it under the "physical illness or infirmity" excuse due to its pandemic state of emergency.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Applications by county are available online on the Alabama Votes website.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 29
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Postmarked by Nov. 2, received by noon on Nov. 3
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver your ballot to the local Absentee Election Manager by 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Update: A federal appeals court in October blocked a judge's order that would have lifted absentee voting identification and witness requirements "for Alabama voters who are at high risk for contracting a severe case of COVID-19," according to The Associated Press.
Does Alaska allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Apply online with a valid Alaska driver's license of state ID.
What is the application deadline? Received by Oct. 24.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Postmarked by Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop off your completed ballot in one of four drop boxes located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Soldotna and Wasilla.
Update: The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that voting by mail will no longer require witness signatures, according to Alaska Public Media.
Does Arizona allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Make a one-time ballot-by-mail request or sign up for Arizona's Permanent Early Voting List online. You can also request a mail ballot by submitting a written form or emailing your county recorder.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 23
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Recommended to mail by Oct. 27; ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop off your completed ballot at a drop box, early voting location or Election Day voting location in your county by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Does Arkansas allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, including concerns about being infected.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Arkansas' absentee ballot application, which is available online, can be filled out and returned via mail, email, fax and hand delivery. Applications must be addressed to the appropriate county clerk.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 27
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver your ballot to the appropriate county clerk's office by close of business on Nov. 2.
Does California allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? California is automatically mailing ballots to active voters. You must register to vote, which can be done online, by Oct. 19. You can also fill out and submit a vote-by-mail ballot application.
What is the application deadline? Register to vote by Oct. 19, and you will receive a mail ballot automatically. If you submit a vote-by-mail application, it must be received by Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3, and received by Nov. 20.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Completed ballots can be hand-delivered to your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Update: The California Republican Party admitted to placing more than 50 unofficial drop boxes – illegally marked as "official" – for mail-in ballots in several counties, according to The New York Times.
Does Colorado allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Colorado is automatically mailing ballots to registered voters starting Oct. 9. You can check your voter record online to see whether your ballot has been mailed.
What is the application deadline? Register to vote or update your registration by Oct. 26 to receive a mail ballot automatically. If you are registering to vote for the first time, you must include a copy of your ID when mailing your ballot.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Ballots can be dropped off at different locations within your county by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Does Connecticut allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes. Voters simply have to check the COVID-19 box on the absentee ballot application.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Both English and Spanish-language applications are available online. Completed applications can be delivered to your town clerk, and ballots will be mailed starting Oct. 2. Applications are also sent automatically to registered voters, according to the AP.
What is the application deadline? The voter registration deadline is Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Each Connecticut town will have at least one secure dropbox where voters can drop off their completed ballots. Ballots can also be dropped off at the town clerk's office.
Does Delaware allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Voters can request a mail ballot through an online portal. You can also fill out and email, fax or deliver the mail ballot application to your county Department of Elections office.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 30.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Completed ballots can be dropped off at your local county elections office. Drop boxes are also available starting Aug. 15 at a variety of locations.
Update: A court ruling upheld Delaware's vote-by-mail law after a challenge by the state Republican Party, according to Delaware Business Now.
Does Washington, D.C. allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? All registered voters will receive a ballot by mail automatically.
What is the application deadline? Register to vote by Oct. 13 and you'll receive a ballot. Any other requests for mail ballots must be received by Oct. 24.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 13.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. There are mail ballot drop sites listed online.
Does Florida allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Apply on your county supervisor of elections' website. You can also apply via email, fax or mail.
What is the application deadline? Must be mailed by 5 p.m. on Oct. 24. Your ballot has to be mailed to you within two business days after the request is received by the elections supervisor.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Ballots can be returned to secure drop boxes at your county supervisor of elections' main and branch offices and early voting sites in your county. Locations are available online.
Does Georgia allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can get the application online. Once it's filled out, applications can be returned by mail, fax, email or in-person to the local county board of registrar's office. You will also be able to request an application through an online portal eventually .
What is the application deadline? Register to vote by Oct. 5.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Georgia has many drop boxes now available for returning your completed ballot.
Update: A federal appeals court reinstated the Election Day deadline to receive completed mail ballots after a lower court allowed it to be extended three days, according to the AP.
Does Hawaii allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Register to vote online. Hawaii is automatically mailing ballots to registered voters approximately 18 days prior to the election.
What is the application deadline? Register to vote by Oct. 5.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can return your completed ballot to a voter service center, place of deposit or your local clerk's office. Locations are available online.
Does Idaho allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply for an absentee ballot through an online portal starting Aug. 26, or fill out and submit the application form to your local county clerk's office.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 23.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Completed ballots can be hand-delivered to your local county clerk's office.
Does Illinois allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Registered voters should receive a mail ballot application automatically, according to the AP. You can also apply through an online portal, or download the application form online and return it to your local election authority.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 29.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver your completed ballot to your local election authority office. Drop off locations will also be available, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Does Indiana allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? No. The coronavirus is not listed as a possible excuse for voting absentee in Indiana.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? The absentee ballot is available online. It should be completed and returned via mail, email, fax or hand-delivery to your local county office listed on the application.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 22.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by noon on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Completed ballots can be hand-delivered to your local county office listed on the absentee application.
Update: A federal appeals court reversed a lower court's decision to extend the deadline to submit completed ballots in the state, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Does Iowa allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? The absentee ballot application is available online, and should be returned to your local county auditor office.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 24.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 2 and received by noon on Nov. 9.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver your completed ballot to your local county auditor office by 9 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Update: The Iowa Supreme Court in October upheld a Republican-backed law that might bar local elections commissioners from mailing ballots to thousands of voters who omitted information on their absentee applications, according to the AP.
Does Kansas allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Advance voting applications are available online in English and Spanish. They should be returned by mail or hand-delivered to your local county election office. Locations are listed on the application.
What is the application deadline? Submit by Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the close of business on Nov. 6.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Completed ballots can be dropped off in-person at your local county election office by close of business on Nov. 3.
Does Kentucky allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, including concerns about contracting the virus, at least for the 2020 general election, according to WHAS-TV.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply for an absentee ballot online.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 6.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Voters can hand-deliver their completed ballot at drop boxes at county clerk's offices, according to WHAS-TV.
Does Louisiana allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes. Absentee ballots are offered by mail to voters who are unable to vote in person; all others are expected to vote in-person.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, but only for specific reasons, such as being a high risk due to underlying medical conditions.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can download and print an application to request an absentee by mail ballot. It can then be returned to your parish's registrar of voters. You can also apply via the Louisiana Voter Online Portal.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Friday, Oct. 30.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by the registrar of voters by 4:30 p.m on Nov. 2.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? You or an immediate family member can deliver the ballot to your parish's registrar of voters.
Update: The new temporary COVID-19 absentee ballot application is a result of a court ruling.
Does Maine allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Request your mail-in ballot with the online application.
What is the application deadline? Must be requested by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You may vote absentee at the clerk's office as soon as absentee ballots are available.
Does Maryland allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Request a mail-in ballot online or text VBM (English) or VPC (Spanish) to 777-88. A link to request your mail-in ballot online will be texted back. You can also fill out the paper form and return it to your local election office before the deadline.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 20.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3. Must be received by your local board of elections by 10 a.m. on Nov. 13.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. After you complete your ballot, you can drop it in a drop-off box or hand-deliver it to your local election office. A list of designated drop off locations is on your ballot.
Does Massachusetts allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Fill out and return this form available online.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 28.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by your local election office by Nov. 6.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it?
Yes. You can drop it off at your local election office or in an official drop-box. Officials at your local election office can provide locations.
Does Michigan allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can request an absentee ballot or accessible voter ballot by completing an online application or completing and returning a hard copy to your local clerk.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 30.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver it to your local clerk's office. There will be drop boxes available too.
Does Minnesota allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply online.
What is the application deadline? Apply by Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can return your ballot to the election office in-person by 3 p.m. on Nov. 3. You cannot drop your ballot off at your polling place on Nov. 3.
Does Mississippi allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes. Some registered voters are eligible to complete an absentee ballot because of age, health, work demands, temporary relocation for educational purposes or their affiliation with the U.S. Armed Forces.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, to an extent. The legislature amended the "temporary physical disability" excuse to allow for people who are "under a physician-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19 during the year 2020 or is caring for a dependent who is under a physician-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19" to vote absentee, according to the Clarion Ledger.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Contact your circuit or municipal clerk to determine eligibility and learn the procedures. You can also get the application online.
What is the application deadline? Any time within 45 days of Nov. 3.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Can be postmarked by Nov. 3, as long as they are received within five days.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? No. Ballots can only be returned by mail, email or fax.
Update: The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled in September that "having a preexisting condition that puts a voter at a higher risk does not automatically create a temporary disability for absentee-voting purposes," according to the AP. A separate lawsuit is awaiting a ruling, according to The Center for Public Integrity.
Does Missouri allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes for absentee, but no for mail-in ballots.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can request mail-in ballots from your local election authority in-person or by mail.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 21.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? No. Completed ballots can only be mailed, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Does Montana allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Fill out an absentee ballot application, which can be mailed back or dropped off at your county election office.
What is the application deadline? Apply by noon on Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop off the ballot at your county election office.
Does Nebraska allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out the Nebraska Early Voting Ballot Application, which must be physically signed. It can be mailed, emailed, faxed or hand-delivered to your county election office.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 23.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes, it can be dropped off at the voter's county election office.
Does Nevada allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Ballots are being mailed automatically to all voters. You can also request a mail-in ballot with an application. If you are a resident of Clark County, you may obtain the form from their website. The request can be returned to your local election office.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 20
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. The mailed ballot will include a list of drop-off sites.
Update: The state Republican Party and the Trump campaign have filed multiple lawsuits to halt Nevada's expanded mail-in voting plan, according to the Center for Public Integrity.
Does New Hampshire allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, the application includes a provision for "concern for the novel coronavirus."
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can request an absentee ballot online. It should be returned to your local city or town clerk.
What is the application deadline? Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Ballots can be dropped off at your town clerk's office during business hours before 5 p.m. on Nov. 2, or before 5 p.m. on Nov. 3 if you are using a delivery agent.
Does New Jersey allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? All of the state's active registered voters will automatically receive ballots in the mail, according to NJ.com. Applications are also available online.
What is the application deadline? If you don't receive a ballot in the mail automatically, apply by 3 p.m. on Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the county election boards by 8 p.m. on Nov. 10.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Ballots can be dropped off in secure boxes.
Does New Mexico allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can request a mail-in ballot with an application online.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 20.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. All absentee ballots may be returned to your county clerk's office or any Election Day polling location by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Does New York allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Aug. 20 signed into law a bill that allows all voters in the state to request an absentee ballot due to risk of illness, including COVID-19, according to a news release.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can download the application online.
What is the application deadline? Must be postmarked by Oct. 27, or returned in-person by Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can deliver your completed ballot in-person to the local board of elections office.
Does North Carolina allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You or a near relative can fill out the application available online. One witness is required.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by the county board of elections by
5 p.m. on Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received in-person by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, or postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by mail by Nov. 12, but this extension is being challenged by the Trump campaign, according to Reuters.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. The ballot can be delivered in-person to the local county board of elections office or an early voting site during the early voting period.
Does North Dakota allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out and submit the application to the county auditor's office.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by Nov. 2.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be returned to your county auditor's office.
Does Ohio allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out the online absentee ballot request form. It should be signed and mailed back to your own county board of elections.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 31.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked Nov. 2, or returned in-person to your county board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop it off to your county board of elections office.
Does Oklahoma allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply online.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by the county election board by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. Voters who requested a "standard" absentee ballot may hand-deliver it to the county election board during regular business hours.
Update: Due to a lawsuit and moves by state lawmakers, absentee ballots must either be notarized or submitted with a copy of the voter's ID, according to the Center for Public Integrity.
Does Oregon allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Register to vote by Oct. 13 you will receive a ballot automatically by mail.
What is the application deadline? Register to vote by Oct. 13.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be dropped off at any official drop box located across the state.
Does Pennsylvania allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply online or download, print and return the application.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, or postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 6..
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be hand-delivered to your county election office.
Update: Pennsylvania Republicans have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a ruling by the state Supreme Court, which held that mailed ballots sent by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 6 "must be counted," according to The Hill.
Does Rhode Island allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can download the application online.
What is the application deadline? Must apply by 4 p.m. on Oct. 13.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 pm. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver your ballot to any of the secure 24-hour drop box locations around the state. Contact your local board of canvassers to find a box near you.
Does South Carolina allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, all voters are now allowed to choose the "State of Emergency" reason.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply online, or email your local county voter registration office.
What is the application deadline? Apply by 5 p.m. on Oct. 30.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by your county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop it off at your local county voter registration office.
Update: The pandemic was previously not a valid excuse but new legislation signed into law in September made "significant changes" to the absentee voting rules in South Carolina.
Does South Dakota allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You must request an absentee ballot application from your county election official. A paper absentee ballot will then be sent to you.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by your county election official on Nov. 3 with enough time to deliver the ballot to your voting precinct before the polls close.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can deliver it to your local county election official.
Does Tennessee allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes, but only if you or someone you care for is in a qualifying at-risk group.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You must submit a written request containing certain information to your local county election commission office. You can also use the absentee ballot request form online.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by the time polls close on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? No. You must return your ballot by mail.
Does Texas allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes, such as being 65 or older, having a disability or being out of the county on Election Day and during the early voting period.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can download the application online. It should be returned to your county's early voting clerk.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 23.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 and received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 4.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes, but a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court reinstated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's rule requiring only one drop-off site per county, according to The Hill.
Update: A state appeals court ruled that Texas voters who get sick shortly before Nov. 3 will need a doctor's note before they can get an emergency absentee ballot, according to the Texas Tribune.
Does Utah allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? All active registered voters should receive a ballot in the mail automatically. Ballots will be mailed between Oct. 13-27, if you haven't received your ballot soon after it was mailed between Oct. 13-27, contact your local county clerk's office.
What is the application deadline? Registration must be received by Oct. 23.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 2.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop off at a designated drop box location by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Does Vermont allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vermont is mailing ballots to all active registered voters. But you can also request a ballot online, by mail or at your town clerk's office.
What is the application deadline? Must be submitted by 5 p.m. or by the close of the town clerk's office by Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be returned to the town clerk's office before the close of business on Nov. 2 or to a polling place by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be returned to the town clerk's office or a polling place.
Does Virginia allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No, but if it's your first time voting in your county or city you have to meet certain requirements.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply online, or send a completed application to your local registrar via mail, fax or email.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 23.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 if returning in person, or postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by noon on Nov. 6.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can drop it off at your local general registrar's office.
Does Washington allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? If you are registered to vote, you don't need to apply. A ballot will be mailed to you automatically. If you are a registered voter and have not received your ballot, contact your county elections department.
What is the application deadline? Register to vote by Oct. 26 to receive a ballot.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be dropped off at a ballot drop box.
Does West Virginia allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes. Due to the pandemic, all voters can use the "medical reason" excuse.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can apply online or fill out the paper application and email, fax, email, or hand deliver to your clerk's office.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 28.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Unless you are a military or overseas voter, the ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can hand-deliver it to your clerk's office, but it must be received by Nov. 2.
Does Wisconsin allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can request an absentee ballot online or mail a completed application to the municipal clerk's office.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. You can return it to your municipal clerk's office or a designated drop location.
Update: A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court preserved the Election Day deadline for receiving completed absentee ballots, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Does Wyoming allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out a request online or request an application from your county clerk through an in-person visit, mail, email or phone call.
What is the application deadline? Apply for an absentee ballot by Nov. 2. You can obtain your absentee ballot as early as 45 days prior to Nov. 3.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be hand-delivered to your county clerk's office.
TERRITORIES
Does American Samoa allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? No, but residents who are stranded off-island due to travel restrictions qualify.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You may request an absentee ballot in-person or in-writing from the chief election officer, or submit a request online with the absentee ballot application
What is the application deadline? Must be requested by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 2.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by the chief election officer by 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be returned to the office of the chief election officer.
Does Guam allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out an application available online and drop off, email, mail or fax it to the Guam Election Commission.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 31.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by Nov. 13.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes. It can be returned to the Guam Election Commission office.
Does the Northern Mariana Islands allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out an application for absentee voting no more than 75 days before or no less than 25 days before Election Day.
What is the application deadline? Oct. 9.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be received by Nov. 2, according to VoteSmart.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? No, ballots must be mailed.
Does Puerto Rico allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? No.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can contact the Puerto Rico Elections Commission.
What is the application deadline? Sept. 14.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Postmarked by Nov. 3.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? No, ballots must be mailed.
Does the U.S. Virgin Islands allow voting by mail? Yes.
Is an excuse required? Yes.
Is coronavirus a valid excuse to obtain a mail-in ballot? Yes.
How do I apply for a mail ballot? You can fill out an absentee form available online and return it to the local office of the Election System of the Virgin Islands by mail, email or in-person.
What is the application deadline? Must be received by Oct. 27.
What is the deadline for mailing my completed ballot? Must be postmarked by Nov. 3, according to the AARP.
Is there a place where I can drop off my completed ballot instead of mailing it? Yes, it can be hand-delivered to your local office of the Election System of the Virgin Islands.
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