With only less than six weeks left until Election Day, we need to understand voting information. Our country, democracy, and our vulnerable communities are at stake. Today, we will be discussing the difference between absentee voting, mail-in voting, voting rules, and CA deadlines.
There is a lot of information in the media about the terms mail-in voting/ballot or absentee voting/ballot. So, what are the differences?
First, let's discuss how they are similar. Both terms refer to the method of the ballot being sent to voters. Now, how are they different? Absentee voting is when a voter knows they will be absent from their regular voting district and is allowed to vote by mail. Thus, they receive an absentee ballot. Absentee voting started during the Civil War, which allowed soldiers to cast their ballots in their home ballots while away. Thus, the term absentee ballot is more of a traditional term. Today, many college students and travelers utilize absentee voting if they are away from their homes on election day. For many states, it has become a default method of voting; even if you are home during election day.
Mail-in voting is when the ballots are delivered by mail regardless of a voter’s whereabouts. Some states refer to this as an absentee ballot. In sum, both terms are often used interchangeably and serve the purpose of the ballot being sent to voters. Some folks may run into the term early voting, which allows registered voters to vote on specific dates ahead of Election day.
Whichever state you reside in, it is always important to know the deadlines to make sure the vote counts. California's online registration deadline is October 19th. If a voter plans to register by mail, it must be postmarked by October 19th. If a voter will be registering in-person, that deadline is on November 3rd. For absentee ballot deadlines, a voter must request their ballot by October 27th. If a voter plans to return their ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by November 3rd. If the voter plans to return in person, it must be on November 3rd by 8:00 PM. Lastly, a voter can register to vote and vote on Election Day. The voting registration rules vary by state, so this link (https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-rules/ ) shows a complete set of rules/requirements in all 50 states.
Lastly, we need to understand the different ways of voting. First, voters can vote by mail. This method is safe, easy, and convenient. By safe meaning from COVID-19. Second, voters can submit their ballots to a ballot drop-box location. It is advised for voters to check to see where their ballot drop box is located. Third, vote in-person at vote centers. If voters choose to vote at a center, potential guidelines in other centers may include: wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing, and following other CDC COVID-19 Guidelines. Another way is the remote accessible It is important to note that this source is from the County of San Mateo in California and other counties or states may have different and/or similar ways of voting.
In conclusion, this is the most pivotal election year of our lifetime. Knowledge is power and it makes all the difference.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/08/18/whats-difference-between-absentee-mail-in-voting/