Can everyone vote by mail
In the United States, the ability to vote by mail, also known as absentee voting, varies from state to state. Some states allow all registered voters to vote by mail, while others have more restrictive rules.
Currently, 34 states and the District of Columbia allow all registered voters to vote by mail, without requiring an excuse or justification. These states are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
However, 16 states require voters to provide an excuse or justification to vote by mail. These states are:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Additionally, some states have specific rules or restrictions for voting by mail, such as:
- Requiring voters to request an absentee ballot in writing or online
- Limiting the number of absentee ballots that can be cast
- Requiring voters to provide identification or proof of residency
- Allowing only certain types of voters, such as military personnel or overseas citizens, to vote by mail
It's essential to check with your state's election office or website to determine the specific rules and requirements for voting by mail in your state.