Understanding the Absentee Ballot

An absentee ballot is one which voters mail into their state election officials to cast their votes. This vote-by-mail option is made available to endure those who are unable to vote in person at the polls (such oversees military personnel or U.S citizens living abroad) are still able to participate in the democratic process. In the United States, we have a decentralized election system which is run by state and municipal election administrations. Therefore, voting requirements and election procedures may vary, depending on your state of residency. Some states- such as Texas, for example- have an “excuse-only” absentee voting system. In other words, only individuals meeting certain criteria are eligible to vote in these states. Over half of the states offer “no-excuse” absentee voting. This system allows any voter who applies for an absentee ballot with the state elections office to receive one. There are a few states which administer all of their elections by mail; a slew of others have loosened their absentee ballot requirements in light of the coronavirus quarantine. If you are interested in receiving an absentee ballot, be sure to visit your state’s elections website to determine your eligibility and to find instructions on how to complete your absentee ballot application. According to Texas’ election website,

You are eligible to vote by mail only if you are:

• 65 years or older;

• disabled;

• will be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or

• confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.