COVID-19 Voting Information

As things change to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, make sure you have the latest voting information. Dates and deadlines are changing rapidly, so be sure to check with your state elections authority for the most up-to-date information.

For more information on voting policies by state, visit Rock the Vote’s election center by clicking the “More State Info” button under each state. To receive updates via email about elections in your area, including changes due to COVID-19, sign up for Rock the Vote’s election reminders.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the CDC website.

Last updated October 30, 2020 at 10:30am ET.

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Alabama

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Alabama with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters can use the excuse “physical illness/disability” to request an absentee ballot.

To request an absentee ballot in Alabama, write or visit the local Absentee Election Manager (usually the Circuit Clerk) and provide the necessary information via a printed application form.

Click here to track your Alabama absentee ballot.

To return your Alabama absentee ballot, you can either mail it back or deliver it in person to the Absentee Election Manager (usually the Circuit Clerk). A designee may return your ballot in person in case of emergency absentee voting. Your ballot must be witnessed by two people or notarized. If hand-delivered, your ballot must be received by the close of business, but no later than 5pm, on the day prior to Election Day.

Following a judicial decision, the witness requirement for absentee ballots and the photo ID requirement for absentee voters will remain in place.

Following a judicial decision, Alabama voters will not be able to use curbside voting.

Alaska

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

In Alaska, the terms “vote by mail” and “absentee voting” refer to the same process.

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Alaska.

To request an absentee ballot in Alaska, apply online if you have an Alaska driver’s license or state ID, or complete a fillable PDF, print, sign, and mail, fax, or email it in. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient. 

Click here to track your Alaska absentee ballot.

To return your Alaska absentee ballot, mail in your ballot using the provided return mailing envelope. Following a judicial decision, Alaska absentee ballots do not have to be signed by a witness in order to be counted.

Arizona

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote a ballot-by-mail in Arizona.

To request a ballot by mail in Arizona, apply onlinecall or email your County Recorder, or submit a printed form. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Arizona ballot by mail.

To return your Arizona ballot by mail, mail it in using the return mailing envelope, or drop it off at any ballot drop box, drop-off location, early voting location, or Election Day voting location in your county.

Arkansas

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Arkansas with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters can use the excuse “physical illness/disability” to request an absentee ballot.

To request an absentee ballot in Arkansas, complete an application, print, sign, and mail to your county clerk. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Arkansas absentee ballot.

To return your Arkansas absentee ballot, return it in person to your county clerk the day before the election, or return via mail or a designated bearer by Election Day.

California

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

All registered voters in the state will receive mail ballots automatically for the November 3 general election.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in California. Due to COVID-19, all registered voters in California will automatically receive vote by mail ballots for the November 2020 election, so you do not need to request a vote by mail ballot. Register to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

Typically, you can request a ballot by mail with this application form, in person at the county elections office, or in some counties, over the phone. California counties that have adopted the California Voter’s Choice Act use a vote-by-mail system for all elections, meaning that every registered voter receives a ballot in the mail 28 days before Election Day. As of 2020, these counties are: AmadorButte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Tuolumne.

Click here to track your California vote by mail ballot.

To return your California absentee ballot, mail it to your county election official, return it in person to a polling place or count elections office, or authorize someone else to return your ballot on your behalf.

 

Colorado

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Colorado. All registered voters will receive mail ballots automatically for all elections. Register to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

Click here to track your Colorado mail ballot.

To return your Colorado mail ballot, mail it to your county election official or return it to a ballot drop box location.

If you are notified by your county clerk of a signature discrepancy on your ballot, you can text “Colorado” to 2VOTE (28638) by November 12 to ensure your ballot is counted.

Connecticut

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Connecticut with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters can use the excuse “COVID-19” to request an absentee ballot.

To request an absentee ballot in Connecticut, complete an application, print, affix your original, non-digital signature, and mail to your town clerk. Clerks are permitted to accept applications via email or fax, but you must follow up with the original application copy by the close of polls on Election Day.

To return your Connecticut absentee ballot, return it via mail, via your town’s secure drop box, or in person at your town clerk’s office. If returned in person, your ballot must be dropped off the day before Election Day.

Absentee ballot applications will be sent to all eligible voters for the general election. Pre-paid postage will be provided for both absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications, and ballot drop boxes will also be available in every town.

Delaware

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Delaware has two types of mail voting: absentee voting, and vote-by-mail. Voters can only vote absentee in Delaware with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters can vote absentee. All voters are eligible to vote by mail in Delaware during any election.

To request an absentee ballot in Delaware, you must complete an application. You can do this online if you have a Delaware driver’s license or state ID, or complete a PDF application and email, fax, or mail it to the county elections office. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

To request a vote by mail ballot in Delaware, you must complete an application. You can do this online if you have a Delaware driver’s license or state ID, or complete a PDF application and email, fax, or mail it to the county elections office. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

Click here to track your Delaware absentee ballot.

To return your Delaware absentee or vote by mail ballot, return it via mail or in person at your county election office.

Voters with disabilites can vote absentee electronically. 

District of Columbia

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

All registered voters in D.C. will receive mail ballots automatically for the November 3 general election.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in D.C. Due to COVID-19, all registered voters in D.C. will automatically receive absentee ballots for the November 2020 election, so you do not need to request an absentee ballot. Register to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

Typically, you can request an absentee ballot by completing the PDF form, signing it, and returning it to the Board of Elections by mail, fax, or email. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your D.C. absentee ballot.

To return your D.C. absentee ballot, mail it in, drop it off at a mail ballot drop box, or deliver it in person at any voting center.

Florida

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Florida.

To request a vote by mail ballot in Florida, complete an online application on your county Supervisor of Elections’ website, call, email, fax, or mail your Supervisor of Elections, or apply in person at your Supervisor of Elections. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Florida vote by mail ballot.

To return your Florida vote by mail ballot, return it by mail or at secure drop boxes at the Supervisor of Elections’ main and branch offices and early voting sites.

Georgia

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Georgia.

To request an absentee ballot in Georgia, complete a PDF application and deliver it to your local county registration office via mail, fax, email, or in person. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient. An online absentee ballot request tool is now also available.

Click here to track your Georgia absentee ballot.

To return your Georgia absentee ballot, return it by mail or in person to your county registrar’s office. County elections officials will have the option to install ballot drop boxes for the November general election, in addition to receiving ballots by mail.

Although a previous judicial ruling would have allowed Georgia absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day and delivered within three days to be counted, a more recent decision restored the original deadline. Absentee ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day.

Hawaii

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Hawaii. As of 2020, all registered voters will receive vote by mail ballots automatically for all elections, so you do not need to request one. Register to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

To return your Hawaii vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it in person at a designated place of deposit, voter service center, or clerk’s office.

Idaho

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Idaho.

To request an absentee ballot in Idahouse the online tool, contact your clerk’s office in writing or in person with the required information, or complete a PDF request form and mail to the clerk’s office. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

Click here to track your Idaho absentee ballot.

To return your Idaho absentee ballot, you can drop it off or mail it back to your local county clerk’s office.

Illinois

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Illinois.

To request a vote by mail ballot in Illinoiscomplete the mail ballot application and return it to your local election authority by mail or in person. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

To return your Illinois vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your local election authority. If you apply for a mail ballot but decide to vote in person instead, you should bring your blank mail ballot with you to the polling place (though you will still be able to vote without it by signing an affidavit).

Illinois voters who cast a ballot in the 2018 general election, the 2019 consolidated election or the 2020 general primary election, including voters who registered or changed addresses after the primary election, will be sent an absentee ballot application ahead of the November 3 general election.

Indiana

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Indiana with an approved excuse. For the June 2 primary election, all voters were eligible to vote absentee, but guidance has not yet been released for the November 3 general election.

To request an absentee ballot in Indianaapply online, or complete a PDF application and return by mail, email, or in person to the county election board. The paper application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail or in person. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

To return your Indiana absentee ballot, you can mail it back, or you, your attorney-in-fact, a bonded courier, or a member of your immediate household may hand-deliver the ballot.

Following a judicial decision, Indiana absentee ballots must be received by noon on Election Day.

Iowa

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Iowa.

To request an absentee ballot in Iowacomplete the absentee ballot request form with your original, non-digital signature and return it to your county auditor.

Click here to track your Iowa absentee ballot.

To return your Iowa absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person at the county auditor’s office.

Iowa will mail an absentee ballot request form to every active voter ahead of the November 3 General Election.

Kansas

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to use advance by mail voting in Kansas.

To request an advance by mail ballot in Kansas, complete the PDF application and send it to your county election official. The application must include your original, non-digital signature. If submitting the application via fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Kansas advance by mail ballot.

To return your Kansas advance by mail ballot, you can either mail it back or drop it off at your local elections office. In addition, once polling places are up and running, you can return your ballot to any polling place in your county.

Kentucky

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Kentucky with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters are eligible to vote absenteeIf you request an absentee ballot, you cannot vote in person unless you do not receive the requested ballot by October 28.

To request an absentee ballot in Kentuckyapply online or request an application via mail by contacting your county clerk. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted in person; otherwise, an e-signature is sufficient.

To return your Kentucky absentee ballot, you can either mail it back or return it to a ballot drop box.

Louisiana

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Following a judicial decision, the early voting dates in Louisiana have been extended to begin on October 16.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote by mail in Louisiana with an approved excuse. Following a judicial decision, during COVID-19, a COVID-19 absentee ballot application is available with an expanded list of approved excuses, including experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, being under medical quarantine, being at higher risk from COVID-19, or caring for someone under medical quarantine.

To request a vote by mail ballot in Louisianaapply online, or complete a PDF application and return by mail, fax, or in person to the registrar of voters. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

Click here to track your Louisiana vote by mail ballot.

To return your Louisiana vote by mail ballot, you can mail it back, or you or a member of your immediate family may hand-deliver the ballot to the registrar of voters. You may also be able to return your vote by mail ballot by fax upon request submitted to the registrar of voters. Your ballot must be received by 4:30pm on the day before Election Day.

Maine

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Voter registrations for the November 2020 election will be accepted by mail or third person through October 19, an extension of the previous October 13 deadline. In-person voter registration is still available in Maine through Election Day.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Maine.

To request an absentee ballot in Maine, apply online or contact your municipal clerk by phone or through a written request. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

Click here to track your Maine absentee ballot.

To return your Maine absentee ballot, you may drop it off or mail it back to your local elections office.

If the ballot is delivered or returned by a third party other than an immediate family member, the ballot must be marked in the presence of a notary public, clerk of a municipality or clerk or courts, or two other individuals. Before marking the ballot, the voter must allow the witness or witnesses to examine the ballot. In addition, a voter who is unable to read or mark the ballot because of a physical disability, illiteracy, or religious faith must mark the ballot in the presence of a notary public, clerk of a municipality, clerk or courts, or another individual.

Maryland

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Early voting has been extended for the November 3 general election and will take place from October 26 through November 2.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

While registered voters in Maryland automatically received mail ballots for the June 2 Primary Election due to COVID-19, voters will have to request a mail ballot to receive one for the upcoming November 3 election.

No excuse is needed to use mail-in voting in Maryland.

To request a mail-in ballot in Marylandapply online if you have a valid driver’s license or state ID, or complete the PDF application and send it to your local board of elections by mail, by email, by fax, or in person. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient. While registered voters in Maryland automatically received mail ballots for the June 2 Primary Election due to COVID-19, voters will have to request a mail ballot to receive one for the upcoming November 3 election.

Click here to track your Maryland mail-in ballot.

To return your Maryland mail-in ballot, mail it back or return it in person at an early voting center, an election day vote center, a polling place, a ballot drop box, or your local board of elections.

Massachusetts

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

The voter registration deadline for all Massachusetts elections in 2020 will be 10 days before the election.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Massachusetts with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters are eligible to vote absentee.

To request an absentee ballot in Massachusetts, complete the PDF application and submit it by mail, email, or fax to your local elections office. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature or an e-signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Massachusetts absentee ballot.

To return your Massachusetts absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your local elections office. If your city or town has provided a secure ballot drop box, ballots can also be submitted to that drop box.

Voters will receive postage-paid absentee ballot applications by mail.

Michigan

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Michigan.

To request an absentee ballot in Michiganapply online or submit an application, letter, or postcard to your local clerk. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail or in person. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Michigan absentee ballot.

To return your Michigan absentee ballot, you can locate a dropbox at your county clerk or local elections office. You may also mail the ballot back to your local elections office for a contactless option.

All registered voters in Michigan will receive an application to vote by mail in the November election.

Minnesota

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Due to COVID-19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters when returning their absentee ballot for the November 3, 2020 State General Election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.

In Minnesota, the terms “early vote by mail” and “absentee voting” refer to the same process.

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Minnesota.

To request an absentee ballot in Minnesotaapply online or submit a completed PDF application by mail, fax, or email to your county election official. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Minnesota absentee ballot.

To return your Minnesota absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to the election office that sent your ballot. If returning your ballot in person, you must drop it off by 3pm on Election Day. Due to COVID-19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the November 3 General Election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.

Due to ongoing litigation around the deadline for ballots to be received in Minnesota, if you have not yet submitted your ballot, Rock the Vote strongly recommends returning it in person.

Mississippi

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Mississippi with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, physician-mandated quarantine is considered an approved excuse. 

To request an absentee ballot in Mississippi, you must contact your circuit clerk’s office to request an absentee ballot application be mailed to you. All absentee ballot applications have to be signed by an official authorized to administer oath, such as a notary public, unless the voter is temporarily or permanently physically disabled. Temporary or permanently physically disabled voters may have the application witnessed by a person who is at least 18 years of age. Once you’ve completed your absentee ballot application, you must mail it back to your circuit clerk’s office.

To return your Mississippi absentee ballot, you must mail it back to your circuit clerk’s office. All Mississippi ballots received by voters via the mail must be returned by mail as well. All absentee ballot envelopes must be witnessed/signed by an official authorized to administer oath, such as a notary public, unless the voter is temporarily or permanently physically disabled. Temporary or permanently physically disabled voters can have the ballot envelope witnessed by a person who is at least 18 years of age.

Missouri

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Missouri has two types of mail voting: absentee voting, and vote-by-mail. Absentee voting requires an approved excuse, and you can return your ballot by mail or in person. Missouri voters who have contracted COVID-19, who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, or who are otherwise confined or incapacitated by illness are eligible to vote absentee in any election in 2020 without having their absentee ballot notarized, but other voters eligible to vote absentee or by mail must have their ballot notarized before returning it. All registered voters are eligible to vote by mail without an excuse. All vote-by-mail ballots must be notarized and returned by mail, not in person.

To request an absentee ballot in Missouri, complete the absentee ballot application and return it to your local election authority in person, by mail, by fax, or by email. Relatives within the second degree (spouse, parents and children) may complete an absentee ballot application, in person, on behalf of the voter who wishes to vote absentee. The application must include your original, non-digital signature; if submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

To request a vote-by-mail ballot in Missouri, complete the mail ballot application and return it to your local election authority in person or by mail. The application must include your original, non-digital signature; if submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

To return your Missouri absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your local election authority. If returning your absentee ballot in person, the deadline is 5pm on the day before Election Day. Missouri vote-by-mail ballots must be returned by U.S. mail only in the provided envelope. Missouri voters who have contracted COVID-19, who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, or who are otherwise confined or incapacitated by illness are eligible to vote absentee in any election in 2020 without having their absentee ballot notarized, but other voters eligible to vote absentee or by mail must have their ballot notarized before returning it.

Montana

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

The deadline for regular voter registration in Montana prior to the November 3 general election has been extended to October 26. Late registration is available through Election Day in person at your local elections office.

Following a directive from the governor allowing counties to expand voting by mail and early voting, many counties have announced they will hold predominantly vote-by-mail elections on November 3:

  • Beaverhead

  • Big Horn

  • Blaine

  • Carter

  • Cascade

  • Custer

  • Daniels

  • Dawson

  • Deer Lodge

  • Fallon

  • Flathead

  • Gallatin

  • Garfield

  • Glacier

  • Golden Valley

  • Granite

  • Hill

  • Jefferson

  • Judith Basin

  • Lake

  • Lewis & Clark

  • Liberty

  • Lincoln

  • Madison

  • McCone

  • Meagher

  • Mineral

  • Missoula

  • Musselshell

  • Park

  • Phillips

  • Pondera

  • Powder River

  • Powell

  • Prairie

  • Ravalli

  • Richland

  • Roosevelt

  • Rosebud

  • Sanders

  • Sheridan

  • Silver Bow

  • Sweet Grass

  • Teton

  • Toole

  • Valley

  • Wheatland

  • Yellowstone

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Montana. Due to COVID-19, some counties (see above) will automatically send mail ballots to all registered voters prior to the November 3 general election.

To request an absentee ballot in Montana, submit a completed PDF application with your original, non-digital signature by mail or in person to your local elections office. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Montana absentee ballot.

To return your Montana absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your local elections office.

Nebraska

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote early by mail in Nebraska.

To request an early voting ballot in Nebraska, print and complete an early voting application and then mail, fax, or scan/take a picture of your application and email it to your county election office. Your original, non-digital signature must be included if submitting the form by mail or in person; if faxing or emailing the application, a scanned signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Nebraska early vote by mail ballot.

To return your Nebraska early vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your county election office.

All registered Nebraska voters will receive early ballot applications automatically by mail prior to the November 3 election.

Nevada

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Under new legislation, all active registered Nevada voters will receive mail ballots in elections affected by certain emergencies or disasters, including COVID-19. This legislation will be in effect for the November 3 general election, so all active registered Nevada voters will automatically receive mail ballots prior to the election.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Nevada. During a state of emergency, including COVID-19, all registered voters will receive an absentee ballot automaticallyRegister to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

To request an absentee ballot in Nevada, you would typically need to complete and submit a request form with your original, non-digital signature to the county clerk or registrar of voters in the county where you’re registered to vote.

Click here to track your Nevada absentee ballot.

To return your Nevada absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your county elections officeYou can also return your absentee ballot at a ballot drop-off location.

New Hampshire

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Voters can typically only register to vote by mail in New Hampshire with an approved excuse, and are otherwise expected to register in person. Due to COVID-19, all New Hampshire voters are able to register to vote by mail.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in New Hampshire with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, concerns related to COVID-19 are considered an approved excuse.

To request an absentee ballot in New Hampshire, complete the application form and mail, fax, or hand deliver it to your local city or town clerk. Your original, non-digital signature must be included if submitting the form by mail or in person; if faxing or emailing the application, a scanned signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your New Hampshire absentee ballot.

To return your New Hampshire absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your local city or town clerk.

New Jersey

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

All registered voters with an “active” status will automatically receive mail ballots for the November general election.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in New Jersey. During COVID-19, all active registered voters will receive a vote by mail ballot automaticallyRegister to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

To request a vote by mail ballot in New Jersey, you would typically need to complete the request form for your county with your original, non-digital signature and submit it to your county clerk by mail or in person.

To return your New Jersey vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your county clerk. If you apply for a mail ballot but decide to vote in person instead, you should bring your blank mail ballot with you to the polling place. If you don’t have your mailed ballot, you will have to vote using a provisional ballot. Accommodations to this rule will be made for voters with disabilities.

New Mexico

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to absentee vote by mail in New Mexico.

To request an absentee vote by mail ballot in New Mexico, complete the online application. You can also contact your county clerk’s office in person or by mail, phone, or email to get a physical application form, and then return it by mail or hand delivery. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail.

Click here to track your New Mexico absentee vote by mail ballot.

To return your New Mexico absentee vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it to your county clerk’s office.

New York

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in New York with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters are eligible to use the “temporary illness” excuse due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

To request an absentee ballot in New York, submit a request online through the state portal. You can also submit a request to your local county board of elections by email, by fax, or in person, or mail a paper application or letter to your county board of elections. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail.

New York does not have an absentee ballot tracking tool, but voters in New York City can use this tool to track their absentee ballots.

To return your New York absentee ballot, mail it back or return it to your local county board of elections, an early voting location during early voting, or a polling location on Election Day. If you are unable to sign your own name, your ballot must be witnessed. The witness must include their name and address with the ballot when you return it.

New legislation also allows ballots postmarked on Election Day but received after Election Day to be counted.

North Carolina

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in North Carolina.

To request an absentee ballot in North Carolina, submit a completed PDF application with your original, non-digital signature by mail, by email, by fax, or in person to the county board of elections.

Click here to track your North Carolina absentee ballot.

To return your North Carolina absentee ballot, mail it back or deliver it in person to your county board of elections office or an open early voting site during the early voting period. Voters will only need one witness signature (instead of the usual two) to return a completed absentee ballot for elections in 2020.

Following a judicial ruling, North Carolina absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day and received by November 12 must be counted.

North Dakota

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

In North Dakota, the terms “vote by mail” and “absentee voting” refer to the same process.

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in North Dakota.

To request an absentee ballot in North Dakotacomplete a form online through the state’s portal, print the form, affix your original, non-digital signature, and deliver to the appropriate election official by mail, in person, by fax, or as a scanned attachment to an email. The form requires some form of valid state or tribal ID. Certain counties in North Dakota run their elections by mail by mail, in which case a ballot is automatically sent to voters before the election. In all other counties, you must apply for an absentee ballot. Contact your county election officials to learn more.

Click here to track your North Dakota absentee ballot.

To return your North Dakota absentee ballot, you can either mail it back or drop it off at your local elections office.

Your absentee ballot must be postmarked or returned in person by 5pm the day before Election Day.

Ohio

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee by mail in Ohio.

To request an absentee by mail ballot in Ohio, mail a completed, printed form with your original, non-digital signature to the county board of elections.

Click here to track your Ohio absentee by mail ballot.

To return your Ohio absentee by mail ballot, mail it back or deliver it in person to your county board of elections.

As in previous years, every registered Ohio voter will receive an absentee ballot request form via mail ahead of the November 3 General Election.

Oklahoma

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Typically, Oklahoma absentee ballots must be notarized, but during a public health emergency like COVID-19, voters can include a copy of their ID with their ballot instead.

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Oklahoma.

To request an absentee ballot in Oklahoma, submit an online application, or complete a PDF application and return it by mail, by email, by fax, or in person at the county election board office. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail.

Click here to track your Oklahoma absentee ballot.

To return your Oklahoma absentee ballot, mail it back or deliver it in person to your county board of elections. Typically, absentee ballots must be notarized, but during a public health emergency like COVID-19, voters can include a copy of their ID with their ballot instead.

Oregon

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Oregon. Oregon uses a vote-by-mail system for all elections, meaning that all registered voters will automatically be sent ballots in the mail. Register to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

You do not need to request a vote by mail ballot in Oregon. If you are out of state, you can request an absentee ballot using the online platform or by completing the PDF form with your original, non-digital signature and returning it to your county elections office.

Click here to track your Oregon vote by mail ballot.

To return your Oregon vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it to any official drop box across the state.

Pennsylvania

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Pennsylvania has two types of mail voting: absentee voting, and mail-in voting. Absentee voting requires an approved excuse. All registered voters are eligible for mail-in voting without an excuse.

To request a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvaniaapply online, mail an application with your original, non-digital signature to the county election office, or apply in person at the county election office.

To request an absentee ballot in Pennsylvaniaapply online, mail an application with your original, non-digital signature to the county election office, or apply in person at the county election office.

Click here to track your Pennsylvania mail-in or absentee ballot.

To return your Pennsylvania mail-in or absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your county election office. You must return your ballot using the included secrecy envelope, or it will not be counted. A recent judicial decision allows Pennsylvania counties to also use drop boxes; contact your county election office for more information.

Due to ongoing litigation around the deadline for ballots to be received in Pennsylvania, if you have not yet submitted your ballot, Rock the Vote strongly recommends returning it in person or to a drop box.

Rhode Island

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Typically, completed Rhode Island absentee ballots must be witnessed or notarized, but during COVID-19, this requirement is suspended.

An excuse must be provided to vote by mail ballot in Rhode Island, but any excuse can be given.

To request a mail ballot in Rhode Island, deliver a completed application with your original, non-digital signature to the local board of canvassers by mail or in person.

Click here to track your Rhode Island mail ballot.

To return your Rhode Island absentee ballot, mail it back or return it to a ballot drop box. Typically, completed absentee ballots must be witnessed or notarized, but during COVID-19, this requirement is suspended.

After the standard absentee ballot request deadline, voters eligible to apply for an emergency absentee ballot may now do so in person at their board of canvassers. 

South Carolina

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters in South Carolina can typically only vote absentee with an approved excuse, but during COVID-19, all voters are eligible to vote absentee under the “State of Emergency” excuse.

To request an absentee ballot in South Carolina, complete, sign, and return the application with your original, non-digital signature to your county voter registration office by email, mail, fax, or personal delivery. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your South Carolina absentee ballot.

To return your South Carolina absentee ballot, mail it back or return it to your county voter registration office in person. The absentee ballot comes with an oath that must be signed and addressed by the voter and one witness.

South Dakota

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Sioux County will hold the November 3 general election by mail ballot. Pending: reported here, but no official county source yet.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in South Dakota.

To request an absentee ballot in South Dakota, download and print an absentee ballot application PDF and mail the original application with your non-digital signature to your county auditor. State law requires absentee ballot applications to be notarized or include a photocopy of an acceptable ID.

Click here to track your South Dakota absentee ballot.

To return your South Dakota absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person at your county auditor. Some counties will also have secure drop boxes available.

Sioux County will hold the November 3 general election by mail ballot. Pending: reported here, but no official county source yet.

Tennessee

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can typically only vote absentee in Tennessee with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, illness, physical disability, or other underlying health condition that makes one especially vulnerable to COVID-19 is considered an approved excuse. Additionally, following a judicial decision, first-time voters are not required to vote in-person if they meet a legal reason to vote by-mail.

To request an absentee ballot in Tennessee, submit a written request for an absentee ballot or a completed absentee ballot request form with your original, non-digital signature by mail, fax, or email to your local county election commission office.

Click here to track your Tennessee absentee ballot.

To return your Tennessee absentee ballot, you must mail it back.

Texas

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

The in person early voting period for the November 3 election is extended, and will now begin on October 13 and end on October 30.

The following localities have postponed their May municipal elections until November 3: Bexar CountyBrazoria CountyFair Oaks RanchFriscoGrahamGrayson County (Bells ISD, City of Bells, City of Collinsville, Gunter ISD, City of Gunter, Howe ISD, Pottsboro ISD, S&S Consolidated ISD, City of Southmayd, City of Tioga, City of Tom Bean, Tom Bean ISD, Whitesboro ISD, City of Whitesboro, Whitewright ISD, City of Whitewright, and Sherman ISD), HelotesJefferson (Pending: reported here, but no official city source yet.)KirbyLeon ValleyMcKinney (Pending: reported here, but no official city source yet.)City of MontgomeryNewcastle ISDOlneyPort IsabelRound RockSan BenitoSomerset (Pending: reported here, but no official city source yet.), and Victoria.

Galveston local elections are postponed. The new date has not yet been determined.

The May 2 San Marcos Special Election is postponed. The new election date has not yet been determined.

In addition, several Texas counties will postpone their administration of local elections. Localities within those counties can decide whether to go ahead with the election on their own, or to postpone the election. Check with your local election authorities for more details.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

Voters can only vote early by mail in Texas with an approved excuse.

To request a vote early by mail ballot in Texas, submit an application to the office of the early voting clerk by mail, email, common or contract carrier, or fax (if a fax machine is available in the clerk’s office). The application must include your original, non-digital signature; if you submit the application by email or fax, you must mail the original application to the clerk within 4 business days.

Click here to track your Texas vote early by mail ballot.

To return your Texas vote early by mail ballot, mail it back or return it to the office of the early voting clerk in person on the day of the election with a valid form of ID. You can also retur your ballot to a drop box, although following a judicial ruling, Texas counties are limited in the number of drop boxes they may provide.

The deadline to return a mail ballot has been extended to allow a voter to deliver a marked mail ballot in person to the early voting clerk’s office prior to and including on election day.

As reported here, a recent Texas Supreme Court decision bars Texas voters from voting absentee due to COVID-19. A federal case on the matter is still pending.

Following a judicial decision, Harris County will send absentee ballot applications to every registered voter in the county ahead of the November election.

Utah

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Utah. As of 2020, all counties in Utah will conduct vote-by-mail elections, meaning that all registered voters will automatically be sent ballots in the mail. You do not need to request a vote by mail ballot. For primary elections, if you are affiliated with a party, you will automatically receive a mail ballot for that party. If you are not affiliated with a party (unaffiliated), your county clerk will mail you a letter several weeks before the election that will allow you to request either a Democratic or Republican mail ballot.

Click here to track your Utah vote by mail ballot.

To return your Utah absentee ballot, mail it back or return it to a secure ballot drop box.

Vermont

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Vermont voters will automatically receive ballots prior to upcoming 2020 elections. (Note: this law passed without the governor’s signature due to a technicality, which the law will likely be amended to correct during the August session.)

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

In Vermont, the terms “vote by mail” and “absentee voting” refer to the same process.

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Vermont. During COVID-19, all registered voters in Vermont will receive absentee ballots automatically without needing to request them. (Note: this law passed without the governor’s signature due to a technicality, which the law will likely be amended to correct during the August session.)

To request an absentee ballot in Vermont, you would typically need to complete an online request, or submit a completed paper application to the town clerk’s office by mail or in person.

Click here to track your Vermont absentee ballot.

To return your Vermont absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your town clerk’s office. Your ballot must be received at your clerk’s office by the close of business on the day before Election Day, or returned to your polling place on Election Day.

Virginia

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee by mail in Virginia.

To request an absentee by mail ballot in Virginiaapply online or submit a completed paper application to your local registrar’s office by mail, fax, or scanned attachment to an email.

Click here to track your Virginia absentee by mail ballot.

To return your Virginia absentee by mail ballot, mail it back or return it in person to your local registrar’s office. Your absentee by mail ballot must be witnessed; although this requirement was waived for the June 2020 Primary Election, it has not yet been waived for the November election.

Washington

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote by mail in Washington. Washington uses a vote-by-mail system for all elections, meaning all registered voters will automatically receive a ballot in the mail without needing to request one. Register to vote or check your registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.

Click here to track your Washington vote by mail ballot.

To return your Washington vote by mail ballot, mail it back or return it to a secure ballot drop box. You can choose to sign a ballot declaration or sign with a mark and have two witnesses attest to the signature.

West Virginia

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

In West Virginia, the terms “vote by mail,” “absentee voting,” and “absentee voting by mail” refer to the same process. Voters can typically only vote absentee in West Virginia with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, concerns about the pandemic are considered an approved excuse.

To request an absentee ballot in West Virginia, submit an application online through the application portal, or submit a paper application to your county clerk via fax, U.S. mail, email, or hand delivery. Voters must complete the paper application in their own handwriting unless they have a physical disability.

Click here to track your West Virginia absentee ballot.

To return your West Virginia absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person at the local county clerk’s office. Your ballot must be received by the clerk’s office by the day before Election Day.

While voters automatically received absentee ballot request forms for the June 9 Primary Election, only Lincoln and Ohio counties will do so for the November 3 general election (reported here, but no official county sources yet). All other voters will need to request an absentee ballot application form be mailed to them for the November 3 election, or request their absentee ballot online. Voters with disabilities may also request an electronic absentee ballot.

Wisconsin

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

Following a judicial decision, the online voter registration deadline for the November 3 election is extended until October 21. Voters can also register to vote in person through October 30, or register and vote in person on Election Day.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Wisconsin.

To request an absentee ballot in Wisconsin, request it online or complete a paper application and mail it to your municipal clerk’s office.

Click here to track your Wisconsin absentee ballot.

To return your Wisconsin absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person at your municipal clerk’s office, your polling place or central count location, or an absentee ballot drop box. You must complete your ballot in the presence of a witness, who must sign the included certificate.

Registered Wisconsin voters who have not yet applied to vote absentee will receive absentee ballot applications by mail for the November 3 general election, unless they are flagged as having potentially moved. Pending: reported here, but no official state source yet.

Following a judicial ruling, Wisconsin absentee ballots must be received by Election Day.

Wyoming

Get COVID-19 information from your state government here.

Election Changes:

None at this time.

Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Rules:

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Wyoming.

To request an absentee ballot in Wyoming, call your county clerk, print and fill out the application and mail it to your county clerk, email your county clerk with “Absentee Ballot Request” in the subject line, or request an absentee ballot in person at your county clerk’s office.

To return your Wyoming absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person at the local county clerk’s office.