Confused by the latest COVID changes regarding voting this year. We've got you covered. Today we're announcing our mail-in ballot request and tracking feature. Our mission is to make it clear and simple for millions of registered voters to vote early and give confidence that their vote will be counted.
Why Most People Will Vote By Mail This Year
It is estimated that close to 2/3rds of US registered voters will vote by mail or vote early this year — so they can avoid crowded polling stations on election day (November 3rd) during the coronavirus pandemic.
This will be an historic and critical election: Many ballots will be cast weeks before the actually election day, and depending on who gets elected will determine the type of stimulus, health, and economic response to one of the biggest tests the US has faced: COVID-19.
Why Start Planning for the Election Now?
The 2020 US Presidential Election is just over 2 months away. The Democratic National Convention was last week. The Republican National Convention is this week. The election is approaching fast.
More importantly, each state has specific deadlines for 1) registering to vote and 2) requesting mail-in ballots. For example, many states start sending out mail-in ballots at the end of September or in early October.
Here is a map of the three types of states:
- States in dark green will automatically send ballots in the mail to every registered voter
- States in teal will send mail-in ballots to registered voters who request them
- States in yellow will send mail-in ballots only if you're unable to visit your polling place on election day
How Can I Request and Track My Ballot?
On our free mail-in ballot tracker, you can quickly put in your information, including zip code and state and we'll tell you what you need to do. This includes links to the state or county websites to either fill out a mail-in ballot request form or print a pdf form to mail-in.
In the coming weeks, many states may evolve their procedures for mail-in voting. Once you start tracking, we'll keep you posted on any changes here.
For example, New York just changed their procedure last week to allow to anyone to request a mail-in ballot. New York has also said they are working on an online mail-in ballot request.
The bottom-line is: We'll give you piece of mind that you are doing everything in your control to request and return your ballot.
What If I'm Not Registered to Vote?
To request a mail-in ballot you first need to be registered. You can check your registration status on your local county website or at sites like vote.org.
If you're not registered you can register now. Alternatively, if you're registered, but you changed your address, you can also update you address.
What Is All the Controversy with Mail-in Voting?
There are two things:
For one, the Trump Administration, without evidence, claims that vote by mail allows for voter fraud. This is not true. Each county, for example, has a list of registered voters and addresses. These are cross-referenced with mail-in ballots and signatures to verify accuracy.
Second, there is unfounded doubt over the postal service's ability to deliver these on time. There shouldn't be a problem here. USPS processes billions of pieces of mail every single day. Plus, many people will choose to drop-off their completed ballots at 1) drop boxes in their neighborhood or 2) polling stations with early voting or on the day of the election.
Where Can I Learn More About Election 2020?
We put together a quick voting guide here. In the coming days, we'll be sharing real-time polling data. You'll get notified when you create your free mail-in ballot tracking account here. Finally, keep an eye on this post and our blog, as we'll continue to provide you important updates in the coming days and weeks.
Related Article to Read
📌 6 voter resources to follow for 2020 Election information
