Which Option is Best?
Election season is upon us! If you live in a state that has an election coming up, make sure you know all the voting options available, so you can decide which method is right for you. Here’s a list of the ways you can cast your ballot:
Voting by Mail
Absentee voting, mail-in voting, and vote-by-mail offer voters the chance to cast a ballot without going to the polls in person. These methods of voting require advance planning, and details vary widely from state to state, so make sure you have the information you need to make your vote count. If you're unfamiliar with your state's requirements, here are some questions to ask your local election official if you plan to vote by mail.
- Are ballots automatically sent to all registered voters in your state, or do you have to request a ballot?
- Does your state require you to give an excuse to absentee vote, or do you live in one of the 28 states that allow "no-excuse" vote by mail?
- Does your state have vote-by-mail where mail-in voting is your only option? Eight states—California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington—conduct what are commonly referred to as all-mail, or universal mail-in elections.
- What are your state requirements for returning your ballots? Be sure to look at dates, deadlines, and locations for in-person drop-off.
Voting in Person
Early Voting means you can cast your vote in person at certain times, dates, and locations prior to Election Day.
In-person Election Day voting is what happens when voters cast their ballots on Election Day at a designated polling location.
What are the pros and cons of voting in advance vs. Election Day voting? Voting on Election Day is my personal choice, unless I’ll be out of town—not only because you get to experience the fanfare of the day, but also because you’ll have all the information possible about your candidates prior to casting your vote. We all dread the infamous “October surprises” of new accusations, information, or events that can surface in the weeks leading up to Election Day. But sometimes these situations can help you make your final decision.
Despite the benefits of voting on Election Day, the best way to vote is the one that will get the job done. Especially if you foresee obstacles with your work schedule, family responsibilities, health, transportation, or otherwise, make your plan to vote now so that nothing prevents you from casting your ballot. Remember: laws, deadlines, and processes can vary widely depending on your state and county (see our article on election administration), so check your local election commission for the latest facts and information.
Subscribers to iVoterGuide emails will receive updates with the latest information and options in each state, so encourage your friends to sign up, too. Every vote matters!
After you vote, be aware that ballots cast by different methods are often counted and reported differently nationwide. Varying state laws and local election processes make the tabulation of votes a long process—with media often reporting both official, unofficial, and projected results.
So, watch and pray on election night, knowing that it may take a few days to get the final results . . . and that if you’ve done your duty of voting, the results are in God’s hands.
