Absentee ballots and vote-by-mail have been a point of emphasis in the lead-up to this November's presidential election in the US. Many states are seeking to make voting more accessible—and safe—during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this isn't a new approach to voting. Almost all voters filled out physical ballots on Election Day in the 1992 presidential election, but only 62 percent did so during the 2018 midterm elections. This is because states have increasingly adopted early voting measures.
The percentage of voters voting absentee in the 2020 presidential election was expected to increase regardless, but the COVID-19 pandemic has already led to exponential increases in demand for absentee voting in many states. This was evident during the primaries and should be just as prevalent in November. Unfortunately, voting absentee may be harder in some states than others. Here's a look at voting in three different states.
Texas
In a state that’s fought the expansion of mail-in ballot access, voters who test positive for COVID-19 in the days before the election might be forced to choose between public health and their constitutional right to vote.
Voting by mail is only permitted for Texans over 65 years old, as well as those who aren't in the state on Election Day and those with a disability. Democrats sought to expand the disability statute to cover all Texans on account of COVID-19, but the court ruled against this measure. Those who do qualify to vote by mail have to register nearly two weeks prior to the election.
To highlight the work being done by states to expand—and, in some cases, restrict—access to voting, the think tank Brookings compiled a report card detailing pandemic preparedness in each state. Texas received a C grade with 7 of 22 possible points. It received points for the fact that ballots don't need to be signed by a witness and can also be accepted in a five-day, post-election window so long as they are postmarked by Election Day.
California
In contrast to Texas, California received an A grade from Brookings. This is because all voters in the state will automatically receive an absentee mail-in ballot in addition to the abundance of channels for ballot submission. Only seven other states, including Hawaii and Colorado, received an A grade.
Missouri
Missouri is one of nine states to receive a D grade from Brookings. While voters can request an absentee ballot, each ballot must be signed by a notary or two witnesses. As of August 24, three Missouri residents, with support from the women's advocacy nonprofit American Women, have filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court to change five election laws they believe restrict voting access.
To see how your state ranks, check the scorecard on the Brookings website.