Mail-in voting has become increasingly popular in the US, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of mail-in ballots has increased significantly, with 43 million being cast during the 2020 presidential race. As Election Day approaches, some states still allow voters to request a mail-in ballot. However, the deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot has passed in the majority of states. States like Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas are among those where the deadline has already passed. Rhode Island allows residents to request an “emergency ballot” if they find that they cannot make it to the polls on Election Day.
Only five states may still allow voters to request a mail-in ballot on Election Day. Maryland allows in-person requests until Election Day, while Mississippi has no set deadlines but strongly recommends requesting by Oct. 29. Missouri allows requests in person until 5 p.m. the day before Election Day. New Hampshire and North Dakota have no specific deadlines for in-person and mail requests, but mail-in voting in North Dakota must be postmarked by the day before Election Day. States like California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Washington have transitioned to an all-mail system, where all registered voters receive ballots by mail, eliminating the need for specific request deadlines.
If voters in all-mail voting states have not received a ballot at this stage in the election season, they can call their local elections office for information on available options. It is important to be aware of individual state guidelines and deadlines regarding mail-in voting to ensure that votes are counted. Additionally, tracking a mail-in ballot once it has been sent can help ensure that it reaches its destination and is counted. As millions of US citizens cast their ballots through mail-in voting, it is essential to understand the process and requirements in each state to participate effectively in the democratic process.
