How to vote via absentee ballot in 2020 election on Nov. 3
Due to COVID-19, some states have expanded voting by mail as an option.
The 2020 presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 3 is poised to be unlike any other with the country in the midst of a global pandemic. Due to COVID-19, states have been reviewing their election plans and some have expanded voting by mail as an option for those who are concerned about possible exposure.
There are only five states still requiring an excuse beyond COVID-19 concerns to request an absentee/mail ballot: Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
Each state has different exceptions due to COVID-19, so be sure to check your state's board of elections website for updated information on whether voting can be done by mail due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Before you can register to vote by mail, first make sure you're registered to vote in your state. (See state-by-state voter registration deadlines here.)
Next, for those interested in voting by mail, check the full guide below for information on your state's rules and the deadlines to apply for a mail-in ballot either in person or by mail.
Alabama
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received five days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received five days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Alabama
Citizens must provide a reason for voting absentee.
COVID-19 Voting Guidelines:
Any Alabama resident concerned about COVID-19 may apply for an absentee ballot for the upcoming municipal elections, according to guidance issued by the Alabama secretary of state.
Other Excuses:
You will be absent from the county on Election Day.
You are ill or have a physical disability that prevents a trip to the polling place.
You are a registered Alabama voter who is temporarily living outside the county (such as a member of the armed forces, a voter employed outside of the United States, a college student, or a spouse or child of such a person).
You are an appointed election officer or poll watcher at a polling place other than your regular polling place.
You work a required shift -- 10 hours or more -- that coincides with polling hours.
You are a caregiver for a family member who is confined to the home.
You are incarcerated but otherwise eligible to vote.
Alaska
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received 10 days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received 10 days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Alaska
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
Arizona
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received 11 days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received 11 days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Arizona
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
Arkansas
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received one day before Election Day
- By Mail: Received seven days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Arkansas
Citizens must provide a reason for voting absentee.
COVID-19 Voting Guidelines:
All voters in Arkansas may vote by mail using an absentee ballot if they have health concerns due to COVID-19, according to a statement by the governor. Check your state's website for latest guidance.
Other Excuses:
You will be unavoidably absent from your polling site on Election Day.
You will be unable to attend your polling site on Election Day due to illness or physical disability.
You are a member of the U.S. armed forces, merchant marines or the spouse of a dependent family member.
You are a U.S. citizen whose permanent residence is in Arkansas, but who is temporarily living outside the United States.
California
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: On Election Day
- By Mail: Received seven days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in California
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
COVID-19 Voting Guidelines:
For the Nov. 3 general election, every registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail by executive order.
Colorado
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: N/A
- By Mail: If you need to change where your ballot is mailed, submit address change at least eight days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Colorado
Citizens vote by mail in all elections.
Connecticut
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: N/A
- By Mail: Received one day before Election Day, but we recommend applying at least seven days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Connecticut
Citizens must provide a reason for voting absentee.
Excuses:
You will be absent from town during all the hours of voting
You have an illness that prevents you from voting in person
You have a physical disability that prevents you from voting in person
You are on active duty within the U.S. military
Your religious tenets forbid secular (non-religious) activity on Election Day
You are required to perform duties as a primary, referendum or election official at a polling place other than your own during all the hours of voting on Election Day
Delaware
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received four days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received four days before Election Day
- Online: Received four days before Election Day
Citizens must provide a reason for voting absentee.
Excuses:
You are in the public service of the United States or the state of Delaware and are unable to come to the polls
Your business or occupation prevents you from coming to the polls, including if your occupation is the care of a family member who is at home due to illness, disability or injury
You are a student who is away at college or university
You are incarcerated but otherwise eligible to vote
You are on vacation
The tenets or teachings of your religion prevent you from coming to the polls
You are experiencing a temporary or permanent illness or physical disability
District of Columbia
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: N/A
- By Mail: Received seven days before Election Day
- Online: Received seven days before Election Day
Due to the pandemic, Washington, D.C., is automatically mailing ballots to all voters. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 13. You can also drop off your ballot in person at a vote center or ballot drop box by Nov. 3.
Florida
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received 10 days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received 10 days before Election Day
- Online: Received 10 days before Election Day
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
COVID-19 Voting Guidelines:
As a reminder, voters may designate someone else to pick up their ballot for them. Refer to the Florida Department of Elections website for instructions on how to complete this process.
Georgia
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received four days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received four days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Georgia
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
Hawaii
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: N/A
- By Mail: If you need to change where your ballot is mailed, submit address change at least 7 days before Election Day
- Online: N/A
- Click here for more information on registering to vote in Hawaii
Citizens vote by mail in all elections.
COVID-19 Voting Guidelines:
Starting with the primary election on Aug. 8: All properly registered voters will automatically receive a mail ballot packet approximately 18 days prior to the election.
Idaho
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received 11 days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received 11 days before Election Day
- Online: Received 11 days before Election Day
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
Illinois
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received one day before Election Day
- By Mail: Received five days before Election Day
- Online: Received five days before Election Day
Citizens do not need to provide a reason for voting absentee.
Indiana
Deadline to apply:
- In Person: Received 12 days before Election Day
- By Mail: Received 12 days before Election Day
- Online: Received 12 days before Election Day
Citizens must provide a reason for voting absentee.
Excuses:
You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6 a.m. until 6 p.m.)
You have a disability
You are at least 65 years of age
You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct
You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open
You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open
You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open
You are a participant in the state's address confidentiality program
You are a serious sex offender as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a)
You are a member of the military or a public safety officer
You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls
You are eligible under the relevant provisions of state law to vote at your place of previous registration
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