State and National Policymakers Weigh Increased Absentee Voting

Over the past week, state and national policymakers have begun to explore how voters can safely exercise their right to vote without having to go to the polls—a protection that is crucial as the nation continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This exploration of possibilities includes expanding absentee or vote-by-mail options which make it easier and safer to vote.

States are already responding. For example, Virginia has clarified that all voters are encouraged to vote by mail ballots in the May municipal elections. Although Virginia law requires a reason to vote absentee, state officials have determined that COVID-19 is a valid reason for everyone to vote absentee. All voters are encouraged to apply online for their absentee ballot—and no documentation or excuse is needed.

Vote 411, a project of the League of Women Voters Education Fund, has state-by-state voting information available, including up-to-date information about states’ various absentee ballot requirements.

As we shared last week (see Memo, 3/23), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has compiled an excellent resource with information about absentee voting for each of the remaining 21 states with primaries. For each state, their analysis includes:

  • the date of the primary
  • the date the application must be received to get an absentee ballot
  • how to apply, and
  • who is eligible to vote by absentee ballot.

Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020, NLIHC’s non-partisan candidate and voter engagement project, is closely monitoring the elections and encouraging affordable housing advocates and low-income renters to vote.

Major media reports detailing expanded vote-by-mail options include:

  1. As Coronavirus Delays Primary Season, States Weigh Expanding Absentee Voting” (National Public Radio, March 24)
  2. Democrats Throw Down the Gauntlet on Vote-by-Mail” (Washington Post, March 23)
  3. Everything You Need to Know about Vote-by-Mail” (Newsweek, March 24)