Who can vote by mail
In the United States, the ability to vote by mail, also known as absentee voting, varies from state to state. Here are some general guidelines:
Who can vote by mail:
- Military and overseas voters: All states allow military personnel and overseas voters to vote by mail.
- Absentee voters: Most states allow registered voters to vote by mail if they are unable to vote in person due to a valid reason, such as:
- Being out of town on Election Day
- Having a disability or illness
- Being a caregiver for a family member
- Being a student or working away from home
- Being a member of the military or a veteran
- Being a resident of a long-term care facility
- Permanent absentee voters: Some states allow voters to request a permanent absentee ballot, which means they will automatically receive a ballot for every election.
- Voters with disabilities: Some states allow voters with disabilities to vote by mail if they are unable to vote in person due to their disability.
States that allow all registered voters to vote by mail:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
States that allow voters to vote by mail with a valid reason:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
States that do not allow absentee voting:
- Delaware (except for military and overseas voters)
- Mississippi (except for military and overseas voters)
- New York (except for military and overseas voters)
Please note that these guidelines are subject to change, and it's always best to check with your state or local election office for specific information on voting by mail.