Fashion

Your Guide to Voting by Mail During the 2020 Election

Visits: 33

Let’s admit it: We’ve entered into one of the most confusing election seasons of all time. Between the coronavirus pandemic’s threats to in-person voting and President Donald Trump’s preposterous attempts to undermine the election itself, it’s reasonable to be perplexed about what, exactly, will happen on November 3.

Although this year’s events are certainly unprecedented, much of the political process remains the same, with the exception of one detail: mail-in voting. With Texas, Florida, and other key states still plagued by COVID-19, many voters may choose to exercise their right to vote by mail instead of lining up at their local polling place. Voting by mail isn’t a perfect system, particularly with the USPS under attack, but with some preparation, it could help decide our political fate for the next four years. Read on for answers to some of the most common questions about voting by mail in the 2020 election.

Do I register to vote the same way I would to vote in person?

Yes! Make sure to check your registration sooner rather than later, and if you’re not registered, go to the nonpartisan organization Vote.org to start the process.

How do I get a mail-in, or absentee, ballot?

This is somewhat dependent on the state you live in. Many states are making it easier than ever to get a mail-in ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but visit NASS.org to find the qualifications for your region. For example, if you select “New York” from the website’s drop-down menu, you’ll find a PDF of the Absentee Ballot Application Form, as well as information on deadlines: Absentee ballots can be requested online or via mail until October 27, or can be applied for in-person at your local county board of elections until November 2. Take note, though, that the USPS has advised that it can’t guarantee delivery of ballots applied for fewer than 15 days before an election: In other words, begin the process of securing an absentee ballot ASAP.

How do I cast a mail-in ballot?

Once you receive and fill out your mail-in ballot, you can either put it in the mail, ensuring that it receives a postmark no later than November 3; bring it to the County Board of Elections Office no later than November 3; bring it to an early voting poll site between October 24 and November 1; or bring it to a poll site on November 3. (Go to Vote.org to find your local early or regular voting poll site.)

Do I have to sign my mail-in ballot?

Yes. To make sure your vote is counted accurately, read the instructions on your ballot carefully and don’t forget to sign and date the outside of the envelope you place your ballot in.

Can I track my mail-in ballot after I mail it?

It depends on where you’re voting, but in many states—including Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Californiayou can actually track your ballot online after you mail it, to be extra-certain that your vote is counted.

Continue Reading

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

five × four =