Are mail in ballots new this year
No, mail-in ballots are not new this year. Mail-in voting, also known as absentee voting, has been around for decades in the United States. However, the use of mail-in ballots has increased significantly in recent years, and some states have expanded their mail-in voting options in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the 2020 presidential election, many states saw a surge in mail-in ballot requests and returns, with some states reporting record-breaking numbers. This was partly due to the pandemic, which made in-person voting more challenging for some voters.
Some states have also made changes to their mail-in voting laws and procedures in recent years, such as:
- Expanding eligibility for mail-in voting: Some states have expanded the list of eligible voters who can request mail-in ballots, such as voters with disabilities or those who are 65 or older.
- Increasing the number of mail-in ballot drop-off locations: Some states have added more locations where voters can drop off their completed mail-in ballots, making it easier for voters to return their ballots.
- Implementing new security measures: Some states have implemented new security measures to ensure the integrity of mail-in voting, such as requiring voters to sign their ballots or using barcodes to track ballots.
- Allowing voters to track their ballots: Some states have implemented systems that allow voters to track the status of their mail-in ballots, such as whether they have been received and counted.
Some states that have made significant changes to their mail-in voting laws and procedures in recent years include:
- California: California has expanded its mail-in voting options, allowing voters to request mail-in ballots for any election, not just special elections.
- Colorado: Colorado has implemented a mail-in ballot system for all elections, allowing voters to receive a ballot in the mail and return it by mail or in person.
- Oregon: Oregon has been conducting all-mail elections since 2000, and has seen a significant increase in voter turnout as a result.
- Washington: Washington state has expanded its mail-in voting options, allowing voters to request mail-in ballots for any election and allowing voters to track the status of their ballots online.
It's worth noting that while mail-in voting has become more popular in recent years, it's still not available in all states, and the rules and procedures for mail-in voting can vary significantly from state to state.