Are mail in votes considered absentee ballot

In the United States, the terms "absentee ballot" and "mail-in ballot" are often used interchangeably, but technically, there is a subtle difference.

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 valid reason, such as being out of town, having a disability, or serving in the military. Absentee ballots are typically requested by the voter and then mailed to them by the election office. The voter then completes the ballot and returns it to the election office by a specified deadline.

Mail-in ballot: A mail-in ballot, also known as a "vote-by-mail" or "all-mail ballot," is a ballot that is automatically sent to all eligible voters in a jurisdiction, usually through a mail-in voting system. In this system, voters do not need to request a ballot; instead, they receive a ballot in the mail and can complete and return it by mail or in person.

In some states, mail-in ballots are also referred to as "absentee ballots" because they are cast by voters who are not able to vote in person. However, in other states, mail-in ballots are a separate system that allows voters to cast their ballots from the comfort of their own homes, without needing to provide a reason for not being able to vote in person.

To summarize:

• Absentee ballot: A ballot cast by a voter who requests one due to a valid reason and returns it by mail or in person.
• Mail-in ballot: A ballot that is automatically sent to all eligible voters in a jurisdiction and can be completed and returned by mail or in person.

It's worth noting that some states have adopted mail-in voting systems, while others still use absentee ballot systems. The specific terminology and rules may vary depending on the state or locality.