Many voters may want to vote early because they’re worried about the health risks of standing in line on Election Day, but they might also be worried that the U.S. Postal Service won’t deliver a mail-in ballot in time to be counted. There are a few options for you, including — depending on your state — early voting, or drop boxes, or requesting a mail ballot and then turning it in at your local elections office.

You can request a mail ballot that comes to you through the USPS, and if you request it early enough, there shouldn’t be a problem receiving it well ahead of Election Day, which this year falls on Nov. 3.

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of what the law says you can do to turn in a mail-in/absentee ballot, along with the deadline for your state to register to vote, and deadlines on requesting and turning in mail ballots, which are also in some states described as absentee ballots or by other names. There are links to where you can register, where you can request a mail/absentee ballot, and as much information as we could find to date on early voting and drop boxes. 

Remember, the deadlines for turning in mail ballots don’t preclude you from turning in your ballot as soon as you receive it. And with the problems with U.S. mail, and the huge number of mail ballots expected this year, the earlier you turn it in, the better.

Legal references were provided by the Voting Rights Lab. 

There’s also information about whether you can give your mail ballot to another person and have them deliver it for you. The law varies a lot from state to state, and there are criminal penalties in some states for running afoul of the law, even unintentionally. So take care to read the legal instructions, which were provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures, and be clear about what is allowed and what is not.

ALABAMA

Ballots can be returned by mail or in-person by the voter. – Ala. Code § 17-11-18(a)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. Register here: https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration/voterRegistrationWelcome.action/

• Anyone can request a mail ballot using COVID-19 as an excuse. Request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 29 here: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/absentee-ballot-applications. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2.

• No early voting, but you may still turn in your absentee/mail-in ballot at a clerk’s office by Nov. 2. Absentee ballots must be signed by two witnesses or a notary, and you must enclose a photocopy of your photo ID (there is a lawsuit to waive this requirement). County election office locations are here: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/counties

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/voter-id

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “No one other than the absentee voter may return their own ballot by mail or hand delivery.” – NCSL

ALASKA 

“A ballot can be returned by mail, electronically, or dropped off at the office of the election supervisor or at an absentee voting station. The statutes are generally silent about dropping the ballot off, but they note a ballot is not timely if it is received after the election by any means other than mail. A special needs absentee ballot may be delivered by hand to the election official by the voter or the voter’s representative.” – Alaska Stat. § 15.20.081(d), (e); Alaska Stat. § 15.20.045; Alaska Stat. § 15.20.061; Alaska Stat. § 15.20.072(e)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 4. Register here: https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/

• Alaska has mailed mail/absentee ballots to all voters over 65. You can request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://absenteeballotapplication.alaska.gov/. Absentee ballots must be signed by a witness or notary, and must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 19 to Nov. 2 in most counties. Mail/absentee ballots must be signed by a witness or a notary.

• Election supervisor office locations are here: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/contactusandsitemap.php

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/votingatthepollsonelectionday.php

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A friend, relative or associate may transfer the absentee ballot to the U.S. Postal Service or a private commercial delivery service for delivery to the division of elections. For those unable to vote in person because of age, illness or disability, a personal representative may pick up, assist in marking and return an absentee ballot.” – NCSL

ARIZONA

“A voter may return the ballot by mail, drop it off at any polling place in the county, or bring it to the officer in charge of the election in the voter’s jurisdiction.”- Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-548(A)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://servicearizona.com/VoterRegistration/selectLanguage

• Arizona is mailing mail/absentee ballot applications to all registered voters. You can apply for one by Oct. 23 here: https://my.arizona.vote/Early/ApplicationLogin.aspx. Absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 7 to Oct. 30 in some counties. County elections officials office locations are here: https://azsos.gov/county-election-info

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://azsos.gov/elections/voting-election

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A family member, household member or caregiver may return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.” – NCSL

ARKANSAS 

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail. The voter may, either personally or through a third party, return the ballot to the office of the county clerk.” – Ark. Code § 7-5-411

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/ArkansasVoterRegistrationApplication.pdf

• You can request a mail/absentee ballot online by Oct. 27 here: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Absentee_Ballot_Application_1.pdf You can request one at a county clerk’s office until Nov. 2. Turn it in by Nov. 3. You must include a photocopy of photo ID with your mail ballot.

• Early voting is October 19-24, October 26-31 and Nov. 2 in some counties. County clerk locations are here: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Revised_County_Clerks_List.pdf

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/arkansas-constitution-of-1874/ar-const-amend-51-sect-13.html

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A designated bearer or authorized agent may obtain an absentee ballot on behalf of another voter and return it directly to the county clerk. The designated bearer must show a photo ID to the county clerk and sign an oath both when obtaining and returning an absentee ballot … A designated bearer may obtain absentee ballots for no more than two voters per election and shall not have more than two absentee ballots in his or her possession at any time.”  – NCSL

CALIFORNIA 

“Ballots may be hand delivered to the elections official who issued it, or to a polling place on Election Day or to mail ballot drop off location, if any exist. Any polling place or drop off location works; the voter need not return the ballot within the voter’s county. In a mail ballot election, the ballots may be returned to vote centers, drop off locations, or by mail to the clerk’s office.” – Cal. Elec. Code § 3017(a); Cal. Elec. Code § 3025(b); Cal. Code Regs. tit. 2, § 20133; Cal. Elec. Code § 4005; Cal. Elec. Code § 4007

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. Register here: https://registertovote.ca.gov/

• California is mailing ballots to all active voters. Your ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 5 to Nov. 2. 

• County clerk locations are here: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A vote-by-mail voter who is unable to return the ballot may designate another person to return the ballot.” State law prohibits “compensation” for turning in ballots for others. – NCSL

COLORADO

“Voters can mail their ballots, put them in a drop box, bring them to a voter service and polling center, or return them to the office of the county clerk and recorder or the office of the designated election official.” – Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-7.5-107(4)(b)(I)(A)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 26 online. Register here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/verifyNewVoter.xhtml You can also register at a voter center up through election day on Nov. 3. 

• Colorado is mailing a ballot to all registered voters. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting at vote centers is Oct. 19-23, Oct. 26-31 and Nov. 2 in all counties, with expanded dates in some other counties. Check your county for details on dates and locations. County clerks locations are here: https://www.clerkandrecorder.org/allcounties

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/acceptableFormsOfID.html

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Any person of the elector’s own choice or any duly authorized agent of the county clerk and recorder or designated election official may be designated to mail or deliver a mail ballot … No person other than a duly authorized agent of the county clerk and recorder or designated election official may receive more than 10 mail ballots in any election for mailing or delivery.” – NCSL

CONNECTICUT

“A ballot may be mailed by the voter, a designee of an ill or physically disabled voter, or an immediate family member of an applicant who is a student. It also may be returned in person by the voter or the voter’s immediate family member at the clerk’s office. Finally, the designee of an ill or physically disabled voter may return a ballot in person to the clerk on the voter’s behalf.” – Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-140b(a) 

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 27 online. Register here: https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do. You can also register in person up through Election Day on Nov. 3. 

• You can request a mail/absentee ballot here. Visit your county clerk to do so in person, or mail them a letter. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• No early voting, but you may still turn in your absentee/mail-in ballot at a clerk’s office ahead of election day. County clerk locations are here: http://www.county-clerk.net/county.asp?state=Connecticut

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/FAQ/FAQ—Voter-Identification

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “An absentee ballot may be returned by a voter’s “designee,” which includes a person who is caring for the applicant because of the applicant’s illness or physical disability, including but not limited to, a licensed physician or a registered or practical nurse; a member of the applicant’s family; or if no such person consents or is available, then a police officer, registrar of voters, deputy registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters in the municipality in which the applicant resides.” – NCSL

DELAWARE

“Voters can return their ballot by mailing the ballot, delivering the ballot, or causing it to be delivered to the Department before the polls close on Election Day.” – Del. Code tit. 15, § 5507(4)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 10. Register here: https://ivote.de.gov/VoterView

• Delaware is sending mail/absentee ballot applications to all registered voters. You can also request one here: https://ivote.de.gov/VoterView. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• No early voting, but you may still turn in your absentee/mail-in ballot at a county election the state election office ahead of election day. State and county office locations here: https://elections.delaware.gov/locations.shtml

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://electionsncc.delaware.gov/faqs/voting.shtml

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Absentee voters must return their ballots by U.S. mail, by delivering it, or “causing it to be delivered” prior to the close of polls on Election Day. There is no explicit provision for an agent or designee to return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.” – NCSL

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

“Voters may return an absentee ballot by mail, in person at a voting place, or by delivery to the Board of Elections office.” – D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 3, § 720.12

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13 online and by mail. Register here: https://www.dcboe.org/dcboe/media/PDFFiles/Voter-Registration-Form-FINAL_2.pdf You can also register in person through Election Day on Nov 3. 

• D.C. is mailing a ballot to all registered voters. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 27 to Nov. 2. Details on locations are here: https://earlyvoting.dcboe.org/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A registered voter may apply for and return an emergency ballot through an authorized agent if the voter is unexpectedly unable to be present at the polls due to an illness or accident or the voter is serving on a sequestered jury on Election Day.” – NCSL

FLORIDA 

“Voters may return their ballot by mail. Alternatively, they may deliver it or have it delivered to any one of the secure drop boxes available at the main office of the supervisor, each branch office of the supervisor, and each early voting site. Drop boxes also may be placed at any site that is eligible to be designated as an early voting site, such as City Hall, a public library, or a civic center, if the site is staffed during the county’s early voting hours of operation by an employee of the supervisor’s office or a sworn law enforcement officer. For voters in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, “supervised voting” may be carried out on-site at the request of the institution or on the supervisor of elections’ own initiative. In such cases, the voter may return the voted ballot to the supervised voting team, which delivers the ballots to the supervisor of elections, or retain the ballot and return it on their own.” – Fla. Stat. § 101.69(2); Fla. Stat. § 101.65(9); Fla. Stat. § 101.655(1), (2), (6), (8)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home

• “Broward, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Seminole counties are mailing absentee-ballot applications to all voters; you can also apply for an absentee ballot online on your county’s website,” according to FiveThirtyEight.com. Find your county’s website here and apply by Oct. 24 online: https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/supervisors/. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• The mandatory early voting periods for 2020 are Oct. 24 – 31. Each county Supervisor of Elections may offer more days of early voting from one or more of the following days: Oct. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and Nov. 1. Check with your county Supervisor of Elections for the additional days of early voting that may be offered in your county. County supervisor office locations are here: https://dos.myflorida.com/media/703373/county-contact-labels-20200805.pdf

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/for-voters/voting/election-day-voting/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Any elector applying to cast a vote by mail ballot in the office of the supervisor, in any election, who requires assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write may request the assistance of some person of his or her own choice, other than the elector’s employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of his or her union, in casting his or her vote-by-mail ballot.” – NCSL

GEORGIA

“Ballots may be delivered by mail or in person.” – Ga. Code § 21-2-385(a)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/welcome.do#no-back-button

• Request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 30 here: https://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Absentee%20Ballot%20Fillable%20form%20720.pdf DeKalb county is sending a mail/absentee ballot to every registered voter in the county. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 12-16, Oct. 19-24 and Oct. 26-30 by law. Some counties may offer expanded hours. Check here for details: https://elections.sos.ga.gov/Elections/advancedVotingInfo.do

• County registrar locations are here: https://elections.sos.ga.gov/Elections/countyregistrars.do

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections/georgia_voter_identification_requirements2

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “In the case of an elector who is confined to a hospital on the day of the election, a family member or individual residing in the household of a disabled elector may personally deliver an absentee ballot on behalf of the disabled elector. A physically disabled or illiterate elector may receive assistance from any elector who is qualified to vote in the same county or municipality, an attendant care provider or a family member … No person shall assist more than 10 such electors in any primary, election, or runoff in which there is no federal candidate on the ballot.” – NCSL

HAWAII 

“Like all vote-by-mail ballots, those received at a temporarily different address may be mailed or dropped off, either to the relevant county clerk at the clerk’s office, at a voter service center, and if provided, at ballot place of deposit.” – Haw. Rev. Stat. § 11-104(c); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 15-9(a)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5 online. Register here: https://olvr.hawaii.gov/

• Hawaii sends ballots to all registered voters. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting and drop boxes will be Oct. 20-24, Oct. 26-31 and Nov. 2. Locations here: https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/

• County clerk locations are here: https://elections.hawaii.gov/resources/county-election-divisions/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

IDAHO

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail. The voter may return the ballot in person to the office of the county clerk. The county clerk must provide at least one “absent electors’ polling place” in each county at which voters may mark and return the ballot.” – Idaho Code § 34-1005; Idaho Code § 34-1006

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9 online. Register here: https://idahovotes.gov/online-voter-tools/ You can also register in person through Election Day on Nov. 3. 

• Request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 23 here: https://elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/BeginAbsenteeRequest.aspx. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 19-Oct. 30. County clerk locations are here: https://idahovotes.gov/county-clerks/

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://idahovotes.gov/identification-requirements/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified” – NCSL

ILLINOIS

“Ballots may be returned by mail, in person by the voter or a person authorized by the voter, or by a licensed delivery service.” – 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/19-6

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 6 in person and Oct. 18 online. Register here: https://ova.elections.il.gov/ There are some “grace period” locations where you can register and vote through Election Day on Nov. 3. 

• Illinois is sending mail/absentee applications to most voters. You can request one here: https://elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/VotingByMailAgreement.aspx

• Early voting is determined by county and can begin 40 days before the election, starting Sept. 24. Locations are here: https://elections.il.gov/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/EarlyVotingLocationsSearch.aspx?MID=A3RIOjKplz4%3d&T=637326443463359326

• Election authority locations are here: https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionAuthorities.aspx?MID=2C1Ps4pEwUQ%3d&T=637331622630818238

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A person authorized by the voter may return an absentee ballot. If the ballot is from a physically incapacitated elector, an employee or person under the direction of the facility in which the voter is located may deliver to the ballot. There is an authorization on the ballot envelope naming and authorizing another person to return the ballot.” – NCSL

INDIANA

“Ballots may be returned to county election board by mail or in person. Voters who are absentee because of illness or injury or who are caring for a confined person at a private residence within the county and voters with disabilities whose precinct is inaccessible may request the absentee voter board to visit the voter’s place of confinement.” – Ind. Code § 3-11-10-24; Ind. Code § 3-11-10-25

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://indianavoters.in.gov/

• Indiana is one of a few states that still requires an excuse to vote by mail/absentee. You can request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments. Absentee ballots must be received by noon on Nov. 3.

• Early voting is during the workweek from Oct. 6 to Nov. 2. The only weekend hours are on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31. Check with local officials for details. County election board locations are here: https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2401.htm

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A member of the voter’s household or a person designated as the attorney for the voter.” – NCSL

IOWA

“Voters may return an absentee ballot by mail or in person to the commissioner’s office. The commissioner will also send teams to licensed health care facilities to collect ballots for confined voters.” – Iowa Code § 53.17; Iowa Code § 53.9; Iowa Code § 53.22

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 24 online or by mail. Register here: https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fVoterRegistration You can also register in person through Election Day, Nov. 3. 

• Iowa is sending mail/absentee applications to all active voters, and some counties are sending them to inactive voters as well. You can apply for a mail/absentee ballot here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 but you can drop it off in person as late as Nov. 3.

• You can vote early at county auditor offices 29 days before the Nov. 3 election and until the day before the election. County auditors locations are here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/auditors/auditor.asp?CountyID=00

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/forms/idposter.pdf

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A voter may designate a person to deliver a completed absentee ballot.” – NCSL

KANSAS

“The ballot may be mailed or delivered to the county elections officer. The voter may use a properly designated agent to return their ballot. Special provisions can be made for people confined to nursing homes and similar facilities to facilitate their receiving and casting advance ballots.” – Kan. Stat. § 25-1124(a), (d); Kan. Stat. § 25-1128(g); Kan. Stat. § 25-2812

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. Register here: https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/default.aspx

• You can request an advance mail ballot (referred to in Kansas as an “advance ballot) by Oct. 27 here: https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/AV1.pdf. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 27-30 and Nov. 2 in all counties and some counties may offer expanded dates from Oct. 14-26 and Oct. 31. County elections office locations here: https://sos.ks.gov/elections/county_election_officers_all.aspx

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sos.ks.gov/elections/photo-id.html

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Upon written designation by the voter, a person other than the voter may return an absentee ballot. Any such person designated by the voter shall sign a statement that such person has not exercised undue influence on the voting decisions of the voter and agrees to deliver the ballot as directed by the voter.” – NCSL

KENTUCKY 

“Kentucky voters may return absentee ballots by mail to the county clerk’s office. In-person absentee voting is conducted in the county clerk’s office or other place designated by the county board of elections during normal business hours for at least the 12 working days before Election Day. In-person absentee voting may be conducted earlier at the discretion of the county board of elections.” – Ky. Rev. Stat. § 117.086(1); Ky. Rev. Stat. § 117.085(1)(c); _Absentee Voting FAQs_, Commonwealth of Kentucky State Board of Elections, 

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/

• You can request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 27 here: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/abrweb/. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 13-17, Oct. 19-24, Oct. 26-31 and Nov. 2 

• Most counties have drop boxes at the county clerk’s office, and the state is adding more, but if you attempt to return your mail ballot by hand to a county clerk, whether they accept it will vary county by county according to the Voting Rights Lab. Call your county clerk to determine if they will accept a mail ballot by hand. County clerk locations here: https://elect.ky.gov/About-Us/Pages/County-Clerks.aspx

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://elect.ky.gov/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Documents/SB%202%20FAQ.pdf

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Any person assisting another in voting by use of absentee ballot shall complete a voter assistance form. ” – NCSL

LOUISIANA 

“Voters can return their ballot by mail, a commercial courier, or hand delivery. If hand delivered by someone other than the voter, that person must sign a statement certifying that they have the authorization and consent of the voter. No person other than a voter’s immediate family member may hand deliver more than one marked ballot to the registrar. Voters who feel they will not have time to vote by mail may request and return their ballot via fax, provided they sign a waiver of the right to a secret ballot. Hospitalized voters who request electronic delivery of a ballot or who have a family member pick up the ballot may return it by fax (upon signing a waiver) or any of the above methods. Voters with disabilities who request electronic delivery of a ballot may return it by fax (upon signing a waiver) or any of the above methods. The officer of the court in charge of the jury will deliver the ballots of sequestered jurors to the county registrar. Participants in the nursing home early voting program will deposit their voted absentee by mail ballots into a locked box in the possession of the election official who conducts early voting at the facility, unless the registrar opts to conduct nursing home early voting using the general early voting machines and equipment.” – La. Rev. Stat. § 18:1308(A)(1)(b)-(d), (B); La. Rev. Stat. § 18:1307.2(4); La. Rev. Stat. § 18:1308.1(B); La. Rev. Stat. § 18:1333(G)(5), (H)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5 in person and by mail and Oct. 13 online. Register here: https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/Pages/OnlineVoterRegistration.aspx

• Louisiana is one of a few states that are still requiring an excuse to vote by mail/absentee, though being at-risk for COVID-19 is a valid excuse. You can request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 30 here: https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/Vote/VoteByMail/Pages/default.aspx. Mail ballots must be received by Nov. 2.

• Early voting is Oct. 20-27 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 25). Locations are here: https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting

• Registrar locations here: https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/Vote/VoteOnElectionDay/Pages/default.aspx

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “If delivered by other than the voter, a commercial courier, or the U.S. Postal Service, the registrar shall require that the person making such delivery sign a statement, prepared by the secretary of state, certifying that he has the authorization and consent of the voter to hand deliver the marked ballot … No person except the immediate family of the voter shall hand deliver more than one marked ballot to the registrar.” – NCSL

MAINE 

“Ballots may be returned by mail or in person. Absentee ballots may also be cast by residents of licensed residential care facilities at the time designated by the municipal clerk.” – Me. Stat. tit. 21-A, § 754-A; Me. Stat. tit. 21-A, § 753-B(5)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13 by mail or online. Register here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/pdf/voterregcard20.pdf You can also register in person through Election Day on Nov. 3. 

• You can request an absentee/mail ballot by Oct. 29 here: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl. Absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 2.

• You don’t need to receive an absentee ballot through the mail. “Absentee ballots are available at least 30 days before the election at the municipal clerk’s office.” Municipal clerk locations here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/munic.html

• You can vote early at your municipal clerk’s office 30 days before the election until the Thursday before the election. 

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Absentee ballot return by a third person is permitted as long as the third person is not a candidate or a member of a candidate’s immediate family … An absentee ballot may not be issued to a third person who has already been issued five absentee ballots for voters in the municipality until the third person has returned one of those ballots.” – NCSL

MARYLAND 

“Voters may return a completed ballot by mail, or by delivering it or having it delivered to an early voting site, a polling place, or the local board of elections office.” – Md. Code Regs. 33.11.03.06(E); Md. Code Regs. 33.11.03.08(B)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. Register here: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1

• Maryland is sending mail/absentee applications to all voters. You can also request one by Oct. 20 here: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 26 to Nov. 2, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Locations are here: https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2020/2020%20Early%20Voting%20Centers.pdf

• Local boards of election are here: https://elections.maryland.gov/about/county_boards.html?fbclid=IwAR20d0HrvX_ek2IDGCcJdMNB8R5N2BRsG5RvKbmNTzn3tAcveUKuj5EnenU

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A qualified applicant may designate a duly authorized agent to pick up and deliver an absentee ballot. An agent of the voter under this section: must be at least 18 years old; may not be a candidate on that ballot; shall be designated in a writing signed by the voter under penalty of perjury; and shall execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury that the ballot was delivered to the voter who submitted the application; marked and placed in an envelope by the voter, or with assistance as allowed by regulation, in the agent’s presence; and returned to the local board by the agent.” – NCSL

MASSACHUSETTS

“A voter or family members can return ballots in person to their town clerk or by mail.” – Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, § 91B; Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, § 92

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 24. Register here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/

• You can request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 28 here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/2020-Vote-by-Mail-Application.pdf. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 17-Oct. 30 in most counties. You can find your dates and locations for early voting here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx

• Local elections officials office locations are here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleev/ev-find-my-election-office.htm

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A family member may deliver an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.” – NCSL

MICHIGAN 

“A voter may return a completed ballot by mail or by using another public postal service, express mail service, parcel post service, or common carrier. The voter also may hand deliver the ballot to the clerk’s office. Additionally, a household member or an immediate family member (including a father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, or grandchild) may mail or deliver the ballot for the voter. If a voter is unable return the ballot by mail or in person, they may request that the clerk arrange to collect the ballot from within the jurisdiction. The request must be made by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election.” Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.764a

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19 online or by mail. Register here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/RegisterVoter

• Michigan is sending mail/absentee applications to all voters. You can also request one by Oct. 30 here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 but can be dropped off in person until Nov. 3.

• Early voting begins 45 days before the election and ends the day before in most counties. 

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-5647_12539_29836-182649–,00.html

• There will be over 900 drop box locations, and they are all listed here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/Ballot_Dropbox_Locations_697191_7.pdf

• County clerk locations are here: http://www.county-clerk.net/county.asp?state=Michigan. You can look it up here as well: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A member of the immediate family of the voter or a person residing in the voter’s household may deliver a ballot to the clerk for the voter.” – NCSL

MINNESOTA 

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail. The voter may, either personally or through a third party, return the ballot to the office of the county auditor or other election authority. The election official may appoint election judges to travel to/from a health care facility or hospital to deliver/return absentee ballots.” – Minn. Stat. § 203B.08; Minn. Stat. § 203B.11

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13 online. Register here: https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/VoterRegistration/VoterRegistrationMain.aspx You can also register in person through Election Day on Nov. 3. 

• You can request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• You can vote early at county election offices from Sept. 18 to Nov. 2. Some counties offer additional locations beside the county elections office. Search by county here: https://sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/find-county-election-office/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return envelope in the mail … An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of not more than three voters in any election.” – NCSL “A state trial court issued a temporary injunction blocking the prohibition on returning more than three ballots for other voters in the August primary and November general elections.” – The Voting Rights Lab

MISSISSIPPI 

“Voters may return ballots by mail.” – Miss. Code § 23-15-637

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter_registration/documents/voter_registration_application.pdf

• Mississippi is one of a few states that still requires an excuse to vote by mail/absentee, though being at risk for COVID-19 or under a “physician-imposed quarantine” qualify as excuses. You can request a mail/absentee ballot through your county clerk, which can be found here: https://www.sos.ms.gov/Elections-Voting/Pages/County-Election-Info.aspx. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• No early voting.

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.msvoterid.ms.gov/Pages/VoterIDAcceptID.htm

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

MISSOURI

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail, in person, or through a relative within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to the office of the election authority.” – Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.291(2)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. Register here: https://s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterregistration/

• You can request a mail-in (without an excuse) by Oct. 21 here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri//2020MailInBallotRequest.pdf. You can request an absentee ballot here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri//2020AbsenteeBallotrequestformfillable.pdf

• You can only vote a mail ballot early at local election authority offices if you are an absentee voter, which Missouri defines as having a non-COVID excuse to do so. If you request a mail-in ballot and cite COVID-19 as the reason, you do have to return it through the mail, according to the Voting Rights Lab. This law is being challenged in court.

• Look up your local election authority here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/howtovote#forms

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “An absentee ballot may be returned in person by a relative of the voter who is within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.” – NCSL

MONTANA 

“Voters or their authorized designees may return ballots by mail or by in-person delivery to the election office, a polling place in the voter’s county, or in the case of emergency absentee voting, to the absentee election board or authorized election official.” – Mont. Code § 13-13-201(2)(e)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 24 online. Register here: https://sosmt.gov/Portals/142/Elections/Forms/Voter_Registration_Application.pdf. You can register in person up through Election Day, Nov. 3, at one of these locations: https://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020-Late-Registration-Locations.pdf

• Most Montana counties are sending mail/absentee ballots to all voters, but a few have decided not to, including Flathead County. You can request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://sosmt.gov/Portals/142/Elections/Forms/Application-for-Absentee-Ballot.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• You can vote early at county clerk offices 30 days before the election and until noon the day before the election. County clerk locations are here: http://www.county-clerk.net/county.asp?state=Montana

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sosmt.gov/elections/faq/#identification

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Individuals authorized to transmit ballots are an election official; U.S. postal service worker or other individual specifically authorized by law to transmit U.S. mail; caregiver; family member; household member; or acquaintance … A person other than an authorized individual may not knowingly collect a voter’s voted or unvoted ballot. An individual authorized to collect a voter’s ballot may not collect and convey more than six ballots.” – NCSL

NEBRASKA

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail. The voter may, either personally or through a third party, return the ballot to the office of the county clerk or election commissioner. Election officials may train registered voters to act on official’s behalf in administering early voting ballots to residents of nursing homes or hospitals that have requested ballots.” – Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-943; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-944; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-947(3)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 16 online and Oct. 23 in person. Register here: https://www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/

• A few counties are sending mail/absentee applications to all voters. You can request one here: https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/elections/earlyvote_app_fill.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting in county elections offices is Oct. 5-9, Oct. 13-16, Oct. 19-23, Oct. 26-30 and Nov. 2. Some counties may offer expanded early voting from Oct. 10-12, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1. County election office locations are here: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “An absentee voter may appoint an agent. … A candidate for office and any person serving on a campaign committee for such a candidate shall not act as an agent for any registered voter requesting a ballot unless such person is a member of the registered voter’s family. No person shall act as an agent for more than two registered voters in any election.” – NCSL

NEVADA

“A voter may return ballots by mail or the ballot can be delivered to the county clerk.” – Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.317

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 6 in person or by mail and Oct. 29 online. Register here: https://www.nvsos.gov/sosvoterservices/Registration/Step0.aspx

• Nevada is mailing ballots to all active voters. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 17, October 19-24 and October 26-30. Some counties may also offer expanded early voting on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25. The state website says locations in addition to county clerk offices will be listed here: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/elections/voters/early-voting-information. County clerk office locations are here: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/elections/voters/county-clerk-contact-information

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “On August 3, Governor Steve Sisolak signed A.B. 4, which allows voters to designate anyone of their choosing to return their ballot. Under pre-existing law, only a family member of the voter could return a ballot on their behalf.” – the Voting Rights Lab

NEW HAMPSHIRE

“The ballot may be personally delivered or mailed to the town clerk’s office by the voter or their delivery agent.” – N.H. Rev. Stat. § 657:17

• Deadline to register to vote is between Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 depending on your locality. Register here: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/ClerkDetails.aspx

• You can apply for a mail/absentee ballot here: https://sos.nh.gov/elections/voters/absentee-ballots/request-an-absentee-ballot/. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• You can vote early by turning in your mail/absentee ballot at a clerk’s office ahead of election day. Town & city clerk office locations are here: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/Reports.aspx

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sos.nh.gov/elections/information/election-laws/voter-identification-law/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A family member may return the ballot and must complete a form and present a government-issued photo ID or have his or her identity confirmed by the city or town clerk.” – NCSL

NEW JERSEY 

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail. The voter may, either personally or through a third party, return the ballot to the county board of elections.” – N.J. Stat. § 19:63-18

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. Register here: https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml

• New Jersey is sending a ballot to all voters. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• You can vote early by turning in your mail/absentee ballot at a county elections office beginning 45 days before Election Day and ending at 3 p.m. the day before. County election office locations are here: https://nj.gov/state/elections/county-eo.shtml

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “An authorized messenger may return the ballot. The bearer certifies that he or she received a mail-in ballot directly from the voter, and no other person, and is authorized to deliver the ballot to the appropriate board of election or designee on behalf of the voter … No person shall serve as an authorized messenger for more than three qualified voters in an election. No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot shall be permitted to serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.” – NCSL

NEW MEXICO 

“The voter can return the ballot by mail or commercial delivery service, or the voter can return the voted ballot to the county clerk’s office or to any polling location in the county in which the voter is registered, including any alternate voting location or mobile alternate voting location established for early voting. To return the ballot at a voting location, the voter must present the official mailing envelope to the presiding judge before the polls close on Election Day. If the clerk establishes secured containers for the deposit of mailed ballots, the voter may use that option as well. A voter’s ballot can be returned to the county clerk by an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, or sibling) or a caregiver. However, all secured containers for ballot return are required to include signage warning voters that only an immediate family member may return a ballot for another voter.” – N.M. Stat. § 1-6-9; N.M. Stat. § 1-12-8.2(A); N.M. Stat. § 1-6-10.1

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 6 online. Register here: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/InstructionsStep1.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 You can also register in person through Oct. 31. 

• Ten counties are sending mail/absentee applications to all voters. You can request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://www.sos.state.nm.us/voting-and-elections/voting-faqs/absentee-voting-by-mail/. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 6-Nov. 2. Expanded early voting dates and locations can be found here: https://voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us/WhereToVoteAddress.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

• County clerk locations are here: https://www.sos.state.nm.us/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal/county-clerk-information/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A voter, caregiver to that voter or member of that voter’s immediate family may deliver that voter’s absentee ballot to the county clerk in person or by mail, provided that the voter has subscribed the outer envelope of the absentee ballot.” – NCSL

NEW YORK

“Voters may return ballots by mail or in person to the county board of elections.” – N.Y. Elec. Code § 8-410

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9. Register here: https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application

• As of August 20, 2020, New York no longer requires an excuse to vote by mail/absentee. You can download a mail/absentee application here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingAbsentee.html. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 1 in most counties. County board of elections office locations are here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Counties/CountyBoardRoster06172020.pdf

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified” – NCSL

NORTH CAROLINA

“Voters may return ballots by mail or commercial courier service, or they may deliver them in person to the county board of elections or to a site for one-stop, in-person absentee voting. A near relative (spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, stepparent, or stepchild.) or legal guardian may also deliver a ballot on a voter’s behalf.” – N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-231(b); N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-226(f)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9 online and by mail. Register here: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/voter-registration-application.aspx You can also register in person at one-stop locations through Oct. 31. 

• You can request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 27 here: https://dl.ncsbe.gov/Forms/NCAbsenteeBallotRequestForm.pdf. Mail ballots must be signed by a witness. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting at one-stop locations is Oct. 15-Oct. 30. Locations can be looked up by county here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/ossite/

• County board of elections locations are here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/BOEInfo/PrintableVersion/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian may return an absentee ballot … It is a class 1 felony for any person to take into that person’s possession for delivery to a voter or for return to a county board of elections the absentee ballot of any voter, except a voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian.” – NCSL

NORTH DAKOTA

“Voters may return ballots by mail or in person to the appropriate election officer’s office. Ballots returned in person must be returned by 5 p.m. the day before Election Day.” – N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-07-09

• North Dakota does not have voter registration. 

• Apply for absentee/mail ballot: https://vip.sos.nd.gov/absentee/Default.aspx. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2.

• Early voting is “at least 15 days before the election” but ” varies by county” and ends the day before the Nov. 3 election. County election officials are listed here: https://vip.sos.nd.gov/CountyAuditors.aspx?ptlhPKID=34&ptlPKID=5

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://vip.sos.nd.gov/idrequirements.aspx

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “An absentee voter may designate an agent. The agent may not, at that time, be a candidate for any office to be voted upon by the absent voter. The agent must provide a signed, written authorization from an applicant … No person may receive compensation, including money, goods or services, for acting as an agent for an elector, nor may a person act as an agent for more than four electors in any one election.” – NCSL

OHIO

“Voters may return ballots by mail or in person to the county board of elections. Ohio also has special procedures for delivering and returning ballots of disabled and confined voters.” – Ohio Rev. Code § 3509.05(A); Ohio Rev. Code § 3509.08

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/

• Absentee ballot forms are here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/publications/#abr. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2.

• Early voting is Oct. 6 to Nov. 2, but does not include weekend voting on Oct. 10 & 11 and Oct. 17 & 18. Early voting is allowed on the last two weekends before the election. County board of elections locations are here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections-officials/county-boards-of-elections-directory/

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/id-requirements/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A family member of the absentee elector may deliver the ballot.” – NCSL

OKLAHOMA

“Voters may return ballots by mail, by private mail service, or in person to the county election board office. Voters in nursing homes or veterans facilities in the county may return their ballots on site to absentee voting board officials. Voters who apply to vote absentee under the special provisions applicable to incapacitated voters and their caregivers must return their ballots by mail or a private mail service.” – Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 14-108(A); Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 14-115; Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 14-110.1; Okla. Stat. tit. 26, § 14-113.2; Okla. Admin. Code § 230:30-11-1(c)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9. Register here: http://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Register_to_Vote/index.html

• Apply for an absentee ballot here: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html. From FiveThirtyEight.com: “Absentee ballots with a yellow stripe must either be notarized or include a photocopy of an acceptable photo or non-photo ID. Absentee ballots with a pink stripe (available only to voters with COVID-19 or who are at high risk for COVID-19) must either be signed by two witnesses or include a photocopy of an acceptable ID. Absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 3.”

• Early voting begins five days before the Nov. 3 election and ends at 2 p.m. three days before the election. County election board locations are here: https://www.ok.gov/elections/documents/CEB_Physical%20Addresses_08072020.pdf

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A voter’s spouse is excepted from ballot harvesting laws and is permitted to return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter … Any voter who hand delivers his or her ballot as provided in subsection A of this section shall provide proof of identity to the county election board. A notary public must witness the absentee voter signing the absentee ballot return envelope. Notaries may not notarize more than 20 absentee ballot affidavits without the written approval of the election board.” – NCSL

OREGON

“The voter may return a completed ballot by mail. The voter may, either personally or through a third party, return the ballot to the office of the county clerk, a place of deposit, a ballot-marking component, or a voting booth (if one provided).” – Or. Rev. Stat. § 253.070; Or. Rev. Stat. § 254.470(6)(b), (d)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. Register here: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/registration.aspx?lang=en or here: https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Documents/SEL500.pdf

• You do not need to request an absentee/mail ballot unless you will not be at your mailing address during the election. Every registered voter receives a ballot in the mail two to three weeks before the election. 

• You can request that absentee ballot here: https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Documents/SEL111.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• You can locate drop boxes here: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/drop-box-locator.aspx

• County clerk locations are here: https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/countyofficials.aspx

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A person may return a ballot on behalf of another voter … A person may not attempt to collect voted ballots within any building in which any state or local government elections office designated for the deposit of ballots is located, or within 100 feet measured radially from any entrance to the building. A person may not establish a location to collect ballots voted by electors unless the person prominently displays at the location a sign stating: “NOT AN OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP SITE”; and the sign is printed in all capital letters in bold 50-point type.” – NCSL

PENNSYLVANIA

“An absentee or mail-in voter may return their ballot by mail or deliver it in person to the county board of election. An authorized representative may return an emergency absentee ballot on a voter’s behalf.” – 25 Pa. Stat. § 3146.6(a); 25 Pa. Stat. § 3150.16(a); 25 Pa. Stat. § 3146.2a(a.3)(4)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. Register here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx

• Request a mail ballot by Oct. 27 here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin or here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin?lang=ES. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• “Varies by county. Pennsylvania does not offer early voting, but counties may make mail ballots available to voters in person up to 50 days before Election Day.” – Vote.org Use the link to county clerk locations to contact your county office. County clerk locations can be looked up here: https://www.votespa.com/Resources/Pages/Contact-Your-Election-Officials.aspx

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “The ballot envelope shall then be securely sealed and the elector shall send same by mail, postage prepaid, except where franked, or deliver it in person to said county board of election.” – NCSL

RHODE ISLAND

“The statute states only that voters must “cause the [ballot] to be delivered” to the state board of elections. The Secretary of State’s website indicates that absentee ballots may be returned by mail or hand delivery to the state board of elections.” – R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-20-23 

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 4. Register here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/RegistertoVote?ActiveFlag=1

• The state is mailing absentee ballot applications to all voters. You can also request a mail ballot by Oct. 13 here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Content/Pdfs/General%20Mail%20Ballot%20Application%2011-3-2020.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 14-Nov. 2 at local board of canvassers. Locations here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Elections/LocalBoards

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://elections.ri.gov/voting/id.php

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

SOUTH CAROLINA

“Voters may return ballots in person or by mail.” – S.C. Code § 7-15-230

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 4 online and Oct. 5 by mail. Register here: https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/ovr/start.aspx

• Request a mail ballot here: https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=AbsenteeRequest. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• No early voting, but if you are able to vote absentee/mail-in, you can turn in your ballot at a clerk’s office ahead of election day. County elections office locations are here: https://www.scvotes.gov/how-register-absentee-voting

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.scvotes.gov/node/235

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A voter may authorize another person to return the ballot in writing. A candidate or a member of a candidate’s paid campaign staff, including volunteers reimbursed for time expended on campaign activity, is not permitted to serve as an authorized returnee for any person unless the person is a member of the voter’s immediate family.” – NCSL

SOUTH DAKOTA 

“Voters may return ballots by mail, or by delivering or having the ballot delivered to their county election official. A special procedure can be offered to residents of nursing homes.” – S.D. Codified Laws § 12-19-7; S.D. Codified Laws § 12-19-9.1

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. Register here: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/assets/VoterRegistrationFormFillable.pdf

• The state has sent a mail ballot to all registered voters. You can also request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/assets/AbsenteeBallotApplicationFillable.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting at county auditor’s offices begins 46 days before the Nov. 3 election and ends the day before the election. County auditor locations are here: https://vip.sdsos.gov/CountyAuditors.aspx

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/default.aspx

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “An authorized messenger can transmit a ballot.” – NCSL

TENNESSEE

“Voters must return absentee ballots by mail.” – Tenn. Code § 2-6-202(e)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://ovr.govote.tn.gov/

• Tennessee is one of a few states that still requires an excuse to vote by mail, though being at risk for COVID-19 qualifies as an excuse. You can request a mail/absentee ballot here: https://sos-tn-gov-files.tnsosfiles.com/Absentee%20Ballot%20Request%20Form.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is October 14 to October 29. County elections offices locations are here: https://tnsos.org/elections/election_commissions.php

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sos.tn.gov/products/elections/what-id-required-when-voting

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

TEXAS

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, do hereby suspend Section 85.001(a) of the Texas Election Code to the extent necessary to require that, for any election ordered or authorized to occur on November 3, 2020, early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and shall continue through the fourth day before election day. I further suspend Section 86.006(a-1) of the Texas Election Code, for any election ordered or authorized to occur on November 3, 2020, to the extent necessary 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.” – July 27, 2020 executive order

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Register here: https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/vrapp/index.asp

• Texas is one of a few states that still requires an excuse to vote by mail, such as being over 65, having a disability or being out of town on Election Day. You can request a mail/absentee ballot by Oct. 23 here: https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/forms/5-15f.pdf. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting at county administrator offices, varying by county, is from Oct. 13-Oct. 30. County election offices are here: https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/voter/county.shtml

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/need-id.html

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A person possessing an envelope of another voter does not commit an offense if that person is related to the voter within the second degree by affinity or the third degree by consanguinity; physically living in the same dwelling as the voter; a person who possesses a ballot or carrier envelope solely for the purpose of lawfully assisting a voter who was eligible for assistance; a U.S. postal service employee; or a common or contract carrier … Carrier envelopes may not be collected and stored at another location for subsequent delivery to the early voting clerk.” – NCSL

UTAH

“Voters may mail in the completed ballot or return the ballot in person to an Election Day voting center or a designated ballot drop box.” – Utah Code § 20A-3a-204 (as enacted by 2020 Utah HB 36; effective date May 12, 2020)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 23. Register here: https://secure.utah.gov/voterreg/index.html

• Utah mails a ballot to all voters. Contact your county clerk if you do not receive one. County clerk locations are here: https://voteinfo.utah.gov/county-clerk-contact-information/. Absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 2.

• Early voting is Oct. 20 to 23 and Oct. 26 to Oct. 30 by law. Some counties will also offer it on Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2. County clerk locations are here: https://voteinfo.utah.gov/county-clerk-contact-information/

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://voteinfo.utah.gov/voter-id-requirements/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

VERMONT

“Ballots may be sent by mail, returned in person to clerk’s office, or turned in on Election Day at the polling place.” – Vt. Stat. tit. 17 § 2543(d)

• Deadline to register to vote is Nov. 3. Register here: https://olvr.vermont.gov/

• Vermont is mailing a ballot to all voters. You can request a mail ballot here: https://mvp.vermont.gov/. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• Ballots can be returned to county clerks starting 45 days before the Nov. 3 election, until the day before the election. County clerk locations are here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/vh1jv3oj/2019townclerkguide.pdf

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL. “Secretary of State James Condos issued a directive on July 20 barring candidates and paid campaign staff from collecting completed absentee ballots from voters.” – The Voting Rights Lab

VIRGINIA

“A voter may return a completed absentee ballot by mail. A voter, or in limited circumstances, a third party designated by the voter, may return a completed ballot to the office of the general registrar. The voter may return a completed absentee ballot to the central absentee voter precinct or his/her polling place on Election Day.” – Va. Code § 24.2-709; Va. Code § 24.2-711; Va. Code § 24.2-712

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. Register here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/Registration/DmvPage1Lookup

• Request an absentee ballot by Oct. 23 here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• You can early vote at a county clerk office starting 45 days before the Nov. 3 election, until three days before. County clerk locations are here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/PublicContactLookup

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/photo-ids-required-to-vote/

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “A voter who becomes incapacitated just before Election Day may vote by emergency ballot and designate a representative to deliver the ballot and return the marked ballot.” – NCSL

WASHINGTON STATE

“Ballots may be returned by mail, by dropping them off at drop boxes (whether at vote centers, registration sites that are less than vote centers, or standalone drop boxes), or by delivering them to the county auditor’s office.” – Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.40.160(4); Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.40.091(4)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 26 online or by mail or Nov. 3 in person. Register here: https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx

• Washington state automatically mails ballots to all voters. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting centers are available Oct. 16, Oct. 19-23, Oct. 26-30 and Nov. 2 in most counties. Check with county auditor offices for details here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/auditors/

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.40.160

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

WEST VIRGINIA

“Voters may return ballots by mail or hand delivery.” – W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(g), (k)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13. Register here: https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing

• Request an absentee ballot by Oct. 28 here: https://sites.omniballot.us/54/absentee/app/home. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is October 21-24 and Oct. 26-31. County clerk locations are here: https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx

• ID requirements for in person voting are here: https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/BeReg.aspx

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified, though statute does address hand-delivering ballots … No person may hand-deliver more than two absentee ballots in any election and any person hand delivering an absentee ballot is required to certify that he or she has not examined or altered the ballot. Any person who makes a false certification violates the provisions of article nine of this chapter and is subject to those provisions.” – NCSL

WISCONSIN

“Absentee ballots issued in person must be voted in person immediately on site. For ballots issued by mail, the statute states only that the ballot “shall be returned” to the clerk.” – Wis. Stat. § 6.87(3)(a), (6)

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 14 online or by mail or Oct. 30 at clerk offices. If you vote in person on Nov. 3 you can register then as well. Register here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/RegisterOnline

• Wisconsin is sending mail ballot applications to all voters.  You can also request one by Oct. 29 here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee. Absentee ballots must be signed by a witness and must be received by Nov. 3.

• Early voting is Oct. 20-Nov. 1 in some counties. Check with your municipal clerk. Municipal clerk locations are here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyMunicipalClerk 

• ID requirements for in person voting are here:https://bringit.wi.gov/do-i-have-right-photo-id

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified” – NCSL

WYOMING 

“Voters may return ballots by mail or in person to their county clerk, either themselves or through an agent. Alternatively, a county may choose to set up an absentee polling place in the courthouse or other public building equipped to accommodate voters from all precincts within the county.” – Wyo. Stat. § 22-9-119; Wyo. Stat. § 22-9-113; Wyo. Stat. § 22-9-125

• Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. If you vote in person on Nov. 3 you can register then as well. Register here: https://sos.wyo.gov/Forms/Elections/General/VoterRegistrationForm.pdf

• Wyoming has sent mail ballot applications to all voters. You can also request one by Nov. 2 here: https://sos.wyo.gov/Forms/Elections/General/AbsenteeRequestForm-Standard.pdf. Ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

• You can vote early at your county clerk’s office starting 45 days before the Nov. 3 election, until the day before the election. County clerk locations are here: https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/WYCountyClerks.pdf

• Who can handle a mail ballot? “Not specified.” – NCSL

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