All 50 states and the District of Columbia use mailed-out ballots, but their regulations and practices widely vary. Which states mail ballots automatically to all registered voters, and which allow any voter to request one? How easy is obtaining a ballot, and what return options exist? Can voters apply online for their mailed-out ballot, or must they submit a paper form? Can voters sign-up once to receive ballots for all future elections for which they're eligible, or must they apply for every election? These components, and more, influence voters' access to, trust in, and security of this essential voting method. We have identified and weighed 15 key criteria to answer these questions, plus more.
New York Governor — Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package to strengthen democracy and protect voting rights in New York State. This legislative package,
(September 5, 2023) — Today, the National Vote at Home Institute (NVAHI) issued a research paper examining 18-34-year-old voter turnout in the 2020 Presidential election,
Civic Nebraska — Rutgers University and the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission have released new findings that, among other things, show the power of vote-by-mail to
An analysis of voting file data provides powerful, new evidence of significantly higher turnout in the 2020 presidential election among 18–34-year-olds, including voters of color,
Many states are undertaking pro-democracy reforms to improve voter access and engagement, including Same Day / Election Day (SDR / EDR) registration, online registration, automatic
As campaigns nationwide, from local to presidential, consider whether it’s worth getting mailed-out ballots into the hands of voters, the National Vote at Home Institute(NVAHI)
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