Are all mail in ballots absentee ballots

Not all mail-in ballots are absentee ballots, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

Absentee Ballot:

• An absentee ballot is a ballot that is cast by a voter who is unable to vote in person on Election Day due to a specific reason, such as:
  • Being out of the country or state on Election Day
  • Having a disability or illness that prevents them from voting in person
  • Being a member of the military or overseas civilian voter
  • Being a student or worker who is temporarily away from their residence
• Absentee ballots are typically requested by the voter and are usually only available to voters who meet specific eligibility criteria.
• Absentee ballots are often sent to the voter by mail or electronically, and the voter must return the completed ballot by a specific deadline.

Mail-in Ballot:

• A mail-in ballot, also known as a vote-by-mail ballot, is a ballot that is sent to all eligible voters in a jurisdiction, allowing them to vote by mail instead of in person.
• Mail-in ballots are often used in states or localities that have implemented universal vote-by-mail systems, where all registered voters are automatically sent a ballot.
• Mail-in ballots may be requested by voters who prefer to vote by mail, but they are not limited to voters who meet specific eligibility criteria like absentee ballots.
• Mail-in ballots are typically returned by mail or deposited in a designated drop box, and the voter must sign and date the ballot to verify their identity.

In summary, all absentee ballots are mail-in ballots, but not all mail-in ballots are absentee ballots. Absentee ballots are typically requested by voters who meet specific eligibility criteria, while mail-in ballots are sent to all eligible voters in a jurisdiction.