Understanding Mail-In Voting: Procedures, Deadlines, and Common Myths

By Belem Oseguera Duran, Communications Specialist

Suspicions, fear, and distrust of the mail-in voting process are not a surprise given the recent politicized claims against the 2024 democratic process. However, the truth is, there's nothing to fear when it comes to casting your vote by mail.

Mail-in voting isn't new—it's been around since the 17th century. Originally designed to ensure that soldiers and citizens could exercise their right to vote, even when they were deployed or unable to leave their homes, this method has stood the test of time. Fast forward to 2020, and the practice gained even more traction due to the global pandemic. Yet, even before 2020, five states–Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Utah–were already conducting elections entirely by mail.

Extensive research shows that voter fraud is extremely rare, with no evidence of increased fraud in states that primarily use mail-in voting. Despite the persistent and unfounded allegations of widespread fraud, the facts remain clear. For instance, in Oregon, where voters have been mailing in ballots since 2000, there have been over 100 million ballots cast—with only 12 cases of fraud, which accounts for a minuscule 0.000012%.

When it comes down to it, mail-in voting allows the opportunity for voters to exercise their right to vote in a more convenient way. It is a safe and reliable method used by voters across all ages, races, and political affiliations.

If you want to vote by mail, if you need to vote by mail due to accessibility concerns, religious conflicts, or for those who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day you can request an absentee ballot. Websites like Vote.org offer tools that make the process way easier for you. By visiting the site you can check your voter registration status, request an absentee ballot, or check what’s on your ballot. And it’s so easy you can do it in 2 minutes!

Once you have requested your absentee ballot, you should know that it is identical to an in-person ballot, and the county will process your vote regardless of which form you submit. If you can’t apply online or don’t have access to a printer, simply contact your local county election office, and they’ll send you an application that you can return by mail or in person. Just make sure that you mail in the ballot within the period established by your state to make sure it counts.

If you have questions about those deadlines, please visit www.poderlatinx.org/vote. While you are there, you can also learn more about what is in your ballot, which not only tells you which candidates you can vote for in your state, but also important information about ballot measures and policies that can impact your community.

Misinformation about mail-in voting is rampant, but staying informed is crucial to restoring trust in our electoral system and safeguarding our democracy. Civic engagement goes beyond just casting a vote every four years. Consider working the polls, volunteering with civic engagement organizations like Poder Latinx, and staying updated on local, state, and federal elections.

The best way to trust the process is to be part of it. As Election Day approaches, make sure you have a solid plan in place for how you'll participate and make your voice heard.