Vote-by-mail
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Vote-by-mail is a method of voting where a ballot is mailed to the home of a registered voter, the voter fills it out and returns it via postal mail. This process eliminates the requirements to staff and run a polling center during an election.
Ballots are sent out, usually, three weeks before the election date, after the Voter's Pamphlet has been distributed. To vote by mail an individual bubbles in a circle next to their candidate (or writes in their name), places the ballot in a secrecy envelope, seals it, places it in the provided mailing envelope, seals it and signs and dates the back of the mailing envelope. The envelope is then mailed to or dropped off at a local ballot collection center.
There is a cut off date for mailing ballots and it is determined by the local voting precinct. Postmarks do not count, ballots must be received by a certain time on election day. Many precincts enlist the help of volunteers to take ballots in walk up "Drop off Booths" or drive-up "Quick Drop" locations. Voting precincts, or individual counties staff one center where private polling can be conducted (i.e. an optional polling center)
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Around the world
United States
First State with vote-by-mail
Oregon_special_election_ballot.png
In the United States of America, the first state to do this was Oregon. In 1998, Oregonians passed an intiative requiring that all elections by conducted by mail. Voters may also drop their ballots off at a county drop site.
It has been subject to controversy. Some conservatives fear that more low-income working people will vote, diluting conservative influence, some Americans oppose changing the tradition of going to a polling place, some fear vote fraud, but others point out that more people will vote.
Other states with vote by mail
- None at this time.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom they are called Postal votes. There have been allegations of electoral fraud as the postal vote does not need to be sent to the voter's address but can be sent anywhere of their choosing.
External links and references
- Oregon state page on vote-by-mail (http://www.sos.state.or.us/executive/policy-initiatives/vbm/execvbm.htm)