Media Center
Misinformation about elections is everywhere. Here at The National Vote at Home Institute, we are committed to helping journalists break through the noise and get the facts about elections. On this page, we have resources including several white papers on how ballot processing works, our most recent press releases, our media kit, and much more.
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Important Vote at Home White Papers and Backgrounders.
The Dangers of Calling a Race Too Early
Just as election officials across the country have been forced to adapt to the ever changing circumstances surrounding the November elections, the media must also adjust its coverage and voters and politicians alike should manage expectations come election night.
READ HEREWhat Happens After You Submit Your Ballot
Here, we walk through the process of what happens after a mail ballot is returned and explain some of the security and processing procedures that keep your ballot safe.
READ HEREA Case Study in Three States
By examining vote at home systems in Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, we are able to better understand why some states will report election results earlier than others in 2020. What’s clear is this: even if it takes longer in some states to get results, it means the system is working.
You’ve filled out your ballot, now what?
For a vote by mail system to be efficient and effective, it is not enough for voters to be sent a ballot. States must also provide voters with adequate options for returning those ballots. Whether it’s a secure, video monitored drop box, a drive-up drop off location, a county clerk’s office, or by mail with a visit to your local USPS, voters probably have more options than they realize.
READ HEREWhy Some States’ Election Results Will Take Longer than Others
States that do pre-processing of ballots will generally have quicker results after the election. In fact, in states with pre-processing, mail-in ballots are often counted and reported first. Provisional ballots, which are often used when a voter requests a mail ballot but votes in person as well as in other circumstances, are also a primary cause of lengthy processing and counting procedures.
READ HEREVoting in Person if You've Already Requested an Absentee Ballot
If you receive a mail ballot, either because you requested it or because your state sent one automatically, do you have to fill it out and send it back? The short answer in nearly all states is no.
READ HEREHow Returning Your Ballot Works
Once you fill out your ballot at home, there are a number of ways to return it and it looks different in every state. Here we discuss how drop boxes, postage, polling place drop off and more works across the country.
READ HEREHow Does Ballot Processing and Counting Work?
This video walks you through what happens to ballots from the moment a voter registers through election certification. Feel free to use this youtube video in any stories or reporting to help voters understand the safety and security measures that are baked into vote at home systems.
The 2020 election was successful in boosting turnout, expanding #VoteAtHome options, and increasing ... efficiency🙌 What now? We've outlined the road forward to guide us towards making elections even safer and more secure in 2021.🤝 https://voteathome.org/the_road_forward/
