Are people voting by mail
Yes, many people are voting by mail, also known as absentee voting or mail-in voting. In fact, mail-in voting has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC), in the 2020 general election, over 40% of all votes cast were absentee or mail-in votes. This represents a significant increase from previous elections, where mail-in voting typically accounted for around 10-20% of total votes.
Some states have made mail-in voting more accessible and convenient by:
- Expanding eligibility: Many states now allow all registered voters to vote by mail, regardless of their reason for requesting an absentee ballot.
- Simplifying the process: Some states have streamlined the process by allowing voters to request and submit their ballots online or by phone.
- Increasing funding: States have invested more resources in mail-in voting infrastructure, including printing and mailing ballots, and providing voter education and outreach.
Some of the states that have seen the highest rates of mail-in voting include:
- Oregon: Oregon has been a leader in mail-in voting, with over 90% of voters casting their ballots by mail in the 2020 general election.
- Washington: Washington state has also seen high rates of mail-in voting, with over 70% of voters casting their ballots by mail in the 2020 general election.
- Colorado: Colorado has implemented a mail-in voting system, where all registered voters are automatically sent a ballot for each election.
- California: California has also seen a significant increase in mail-in voting, with over 50% of voters casting their ballots by mail in the 2020 general election.
While mail-in voting has its advantages, such as increased accessibility and convenience, it also raises concerns about voter fraud and security. Election officials and lawmakers are working to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of the voting process.