A State-by-state Guide on Absentee Voting in the U.S.

As coronavirus has displaced many Americans across the country — whether they've left a congested city for more spacious surroundings or temporarily relocated closer to family — voters are faced with having to cast their ballots for the 2020 presidential election from a different location.

Thankfully, all states offer an absentee voting option, allowing people to vote from wherever they are, although there are specific policies in each state. While some states automatically send all registered voters a vote-by-mail ballot, others require voters to request one in advance and sometimes provide a reason for doing so.

And due to COVID-19, several states have made exceptions to their absentee ballot rules to allow residents to do so. However, this has, unfortunately, put more stress on an already-stretched U.S. Postal Service.

If voters do intend to vote absentee, filling out a ballot application as soon as possible to ensure they receive it in time to vote and mail it back is recommended.

Below is a breakdown by policy as to how absentee voting is conducted in each state.

For more specific information on voting this year, scroll to the state you'd typically cast your vote in.

Alabama

Alabama absentee voters are required to provide a reason for casting their vote out of state, according to the Alabama Secretary of State. Approved reasons for absentee ballots include if the voter is expecting to be out of the county.

To request a ballot, Alabama voters have to send in their address, a copy of a photo ID, and an original signature. Ballot requests must be received no later than the fifth calendar day before an election and postmarked no later than the day before an election.

The filled-out ballot must be received no later than noon on Election Day and be signed by two witnesses or a notary.

This year, voters can also request an absentee ballot if they don’t want to go to the polls due to COVID-19.

Alaska

Alaska allows anyone to request a mail-in ballot and does not require they provide a reason.

To get an absentee ballot, voters can either apply online with a valid Alaska driver’s license or State ID and a handwritten signature or apply by mail, according to the Alaska Division of Elections. Applications by mail must be received 10 days before Election Day.

Ballots have to be filled out in front of a witness and be postmarked on or before Election Day.

Alaska also offers early voting at certain locations, including Juneau, Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Nome.

Arizona

Arizona voters can opt to be added to the Permanent Early Voting List and automatically be sent a ballot-by-mail. Voters can also request a one-time mail-in ballot either online, by calling or emailing the County Recorder, or by sending an application through the mail, according to the Arizona Secretary of State.

To receive a one-time absentee ballot, voters need to request it by Oct. 23, 2020 at 5 p.m. If voters will be out-of-town during an election, they can request to have their ballot sent to their temporary address by contacting their County Recorder directly.

Ballots must then be received by county election officials by 7 p.m. on Election Day. They also can be dropped off at any ballot drop-box, drop-off location, early voting location, or Election Day voting location on or before Election Day.

Arizona also offers early voting starting 27 days before Election Day until 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day.

Arkansas

Voters in Arkansas can request an absentee ballot by contacting their county clerk or downloading an application online, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Voters are able to request an absentee ballot if they will be “unavoidably absent from your polling site on election day,” or are a U.S. citizen whose residence is in Arkansas but is temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the country.

Ballots must be requested either by mail or online seven days before an election.

They must be received at the clerk’s office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. In Arkansas, a designated bearer can also return a ballot by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

For 2020, voters can also request an absentee ballot if they are concerned about their health due to COVID-19.

Arkansas also offers early voting starting either seven or 15 days before Election Day.

California

California will automatically send all registered voters a vote-by-mail ballot for the general election, according to the California Secretary of State.

To send a ballot back by mail, they must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the county elections office no later than 17 days after Election Day. Voters also have the option of authorizing someone to return the ballot on their behalf.

For future elections, voters can send in a vote-by-mail application to their local county elections office, apply in person, or by phone. California also offers the option to become a “permanent vote-by-mail voter,” and automatically receive a ballot in the mail before each election.

Some counties in California also offer early voting in person.

Colorado

Voters in Colorado will automatically receive a mail-in ballot, according to the Colorado Secretary of State. Returned ballots must be received by the county clerk no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Connecticut

Connecticut voters who will be out of town on Election Day can request an absentee ballot, according to The Office of Secretary of the State. After the ballot is requested, it will be mailed to voters 31 days before a general election or 21 days before a primary.

The filled-out ballot must then be received before the close of polls on Election Day.

For the 2020 general election, all voters in Connecticut are eligible to receive an absentee ballot due to COVID-19. To take advantage of this option, voters are asked to check the COVID-19 box on the application.

Delaware

Delaware voters can vote absentee if they are away due to a vacation or other reason, and must complete an "Affidavit for Absentee Ballot,” according to the Department of Elections, Office of the State Election Commissioner.

Affidavits must be returned to the Department of Elections for the voter’s county.

Returned ballots must be received by the Department of Elections Office for the voter’s county no later than the close of polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

For 2020, Delaware voters can vote by mail due to COVID-19, according to Gov. John Carney.

Florida

Florida allows all voters to request a mail-in ballot through an online application or by writing, emailing, or calling the Supervisor of Elections, according to the Florida Department of State.

Applications must be made no later than 5 p.m. on the 10th day before an election. The ballot must then be mailed out by the Supervisor of Elections within two business days after a request.

Returned ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Alternatively, mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at secure drop boxes at Supervisor of Elections' main or branch offices and early voting sites in the voter’s county.

Florida also offers early voting that starts at least on the tenth day before an election and ends on the third day before an election.

Georgia

Georgia voters can vote absentee and do not need a reason, according to the State of Georgia government.

Voters who want to vote absentee need to fill out an absentee ballot application online, by mail, by fax, or in person. Applications must be requested by the end of the business day on the Friday before Election Day.

The county election office must receive an absentee ballot by Election Day for voters who are in the U.S. For voters who are overseas and post their ballot on Election Day, the ballot must arrive within three days.

In addition to mail-in voting, Georgia allows early voting starting on the fourth Monday before an election until the Friday before Election Day. To take advantage of this option, voters can vote at any early voting location within their county but are required to bring a photo ID with them.

Specifically for the 2020 presidential election, Georgia’s Secretary of State will automatically mail absentee ballot request forms to every Georgia voter.

Hawaii

All registered Hawaiian voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot about 18 days before an election, according to the State of Hawaii Office of Elections. Voters who will be at a different address before the election can request to have their ballot mailed to a different address by filling out a one-time absentee application.

Ballots must be received by the Clerk's Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Illinois

Any registered voter can choose to vote by mail in Illinois, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Applications must be submitted at least five days before an election if voters live in the U.S., or 30 days before an election for someone living outside the country.

Returned ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received within 14 days of the election. Alternatively, voters can authorize someone to return their ballot to the election authority with a signed affidavit on the ballot envelope.

Indiana

Indiana allows voters to vote early in person or vote by mail with a reason, according to Indiana’s Secretary of State.

To vote early in person, Indiana makes voting available for 28 days before an election up until noon on the day before the election.

To vote by mail, voters in Indiana have to show a reason, including a “specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day,” and apply for an absentee-by-mail ballot either online, by mail, or by email. The application must be received by 11:59 p.m. 12 days before an election.

Returned ballots must be received by noon on Election Day.

Iowa

Any registered voter in Iowa can request an absentee ballot through the county auditor, according to the Iowa Secretary of State.

Written applications must be received by 5 p.m., 10 days before a General Election or 11 days before other elections. To apply, voters have to provide their Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID number or their four digit voter PIN number.

Returned ballots need to be received in the county auditor's office by the time the polls close on Election Day.

In addition, Iowa voters have the choice to vote in person in the county auditor's office, no earlier than 29 days before an election.

Kansas

Kansas offers voters the option to vote early in person or to mail in their votes without needing a reason, according to the Kansas Secretary of State.

In-person voting starts up to 20 days before an election. For 2020, early in-person voting concludes at 12 p.m. on Nov. 2.

To vote by mail, Kansas voters can apply for an advance ballot with their driver’s license number or a copy of their photo ID by Oct. 27 for the 2020 general election. It is not necessary to provide a reason for the request.

Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the close of business on the Friday after an election.

Kentucky

Kentucky voters can request a mail-in ballot if they are concerned about potentially contracting or spreading COVID-19, according to the Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State. Ballots can be requested through an online portal through Oct. 9 and then through traditional means after that.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 6.

In addition, Kentucky voters can choose to vote early in-person for any reason between Oct. 13 and Election Day.

Louisiana

Louisiana voters can vote by mail if they have a valid reason, including if they expect to be temporarily outside of Louisiana or their parish during the early voting period and on Election Day, according to the Louisiana Department of State.

Mail-in ballots can be requested through an online system or by mailing the application to the registrar of voters and must be requested by 4:30 p.m. on the fourth day before an election.

Ballots must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the day before Election Day. They can either be mailed back, faxed or hand-delivered to the registrar of voters by an immediate family member with a signed statement upon delivery certifying that person is authorized to do so.

Alternatively, voters in Louisiana can vote early without a reason in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at designated locations in the parish from 14 to seven days before an election.

Maine

Any Maine voter can vote absentee without a reason, according to the Department of the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions.

To request an absentee ballot, voters can call or fill out an online application by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2020.

Returned ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Maryland

All voters in Maryland can request a mail-in ballot and do not need a reason to do so, according to The Maryland State Board of Elections.

Voters can request a mail-in ballot either online with a Maryland’s driver’s license or MVA-issued ID card, by mail, fax, or email, or in person at their local board of elections. Application requests must be received by Oct. 20, 2020.

Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2020. Alternatively, ballots can be hand-delivered to an early voting center, an Election Day vote center, a ballot drop-off box, or a polling place by the time the polls close.

Maryland voters can also choose to vote early in person from Oct. 26, 2020 through Nov. 2, 2020.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts voters can vote absentee if they provide a valid reason, including being away from their city or town on Election Day, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Absentee ballots have to be requested in writing at least four business days before Election Day.

Returned ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day.

Voters wishing to vote by mail in 2020 do not need a reason to do so due to COVID-19. For 2020, ballot applications should be requested by Oct. 28 and returned ballots will be accepted if they are postmarked by Election Day and reach the local election office no later than Nov. 6.

Michigan

All voters in Michigan can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason, according to the office of the Secretary of State.

Absentee ballots can be requested online, by mail, by hand, by fax, or through email and must be received by 5 p.m. on the Friday before an election.

Ballots must then be returned to the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The ballot can be mailed back or delivered by a family member or someone residing in your household.

Minnesota

All Minnesota voters can request an absentee ballot online with a Minnesota driver's license, a Minnesota ID, or the last four digits of their Social Security Number, or by mail, fax, or email, according to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the county within the next seven calendar days. Mail-in ballots also have a box for a witness to complete and sign. In 2020, however, no witness is required for registered voters.

In addition, Minnesota voters can vote early in person. In 2020, voters can vote early from Sept. 18 through Nov. 2.

Mississippi

Mississippi requires voters to provide a reason if they wish to vote absentee, including those who are temporarily residing outside of their county of residence or anyone 65 or older, according to Mississippi’s Secretary of State.

If voters qualify, they can request the application be mailed to them from their Circuit Clerk’s Office. The ballot application must then be filled out and signed by an official, like a notary public, unless the voter is temporarily or permanently physically disabled. The Circuit Clerk’s Office will then mail the ballot back to the applicant.

Voters then need to fill out the ballot in the presence of a witness and complete the voter’s affidavit on the back of the envelope. That must be witnessed as well.

Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, and received on or within five business days of the election.

Missouri

Missouri voters who expect to be out of their jurisdiction on Election Day can vote absentee, according to the Missouri Secretary of State.

Absentee ballots can be requested from the local election authority in person, by mail, by fax, or by email. Alternatively, some relatives, including a spouse, parents, or children, can complete an absentee ballot application for someone. Ballot requests must be received no later than 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday before an election.

Returned mail-in ballots must be signed and witnessed by a notary and received by the election authority by the close of the polls on Election Day.

In 2020, voters who have contracted COVID-19 or are in an at-risk group for the virus, including those 65 or older, can also vote absentee.

Montana

All registered voters in Montana can vote absentee without a reason, according to the Montana Secretary of State.

To vote absentee, voters need to fill out an application and either mail it or drop it off at the county election office by noon on the day before an election.

Returned ballots must be received at the election office or polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, any voter can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason, according to the Nebraska Secretary of State.

Applications must be printed, signed, and mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the county election office by 6 p.m. on the second Friday before an election.

Returned ballots must be received by the close of polls on the day of the election.

Voters can also vote early in person 30 days before a primary or general election, and 15 days before all other elections, up to the day before an election.

Nevada

Any voter in Nevada can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason, according to the Nevada Secretary of State.

Absentee applications must be received by the local county election official no later than 5 p.m. on the fourteenth calendar day before an election.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than 7 days after an election.

In 2020 specifically, all registered voters will be sent a ballot in the mail. Additionally, voters can vote early in person starting Oct. 17 until Oct. 30.

New Hampshire

Voters in New Hampshire can vote absentee for specific reasons, including being absent from the voter’s city or town, according to the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Applications for absentee ballots need to be returned to the voter’s town or city clerk.

Returned ballots must receive it by 5 p.m. on Election Day.

In 2020, concern over COVID-19 is considered a valid reason to vote absentee.

New Jersey

New Jersey voters can request a mail-in ballot by completing an application and returning that to the county clerk, according to the New Jersey Division of Elections. Applications must be received by the County Clerk seven days before an election.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by the day of the election and received within 48 hours from the closing of the polls. For 2020, that has been extended to seven days.

New Jersey voters can also opt to automatically receive mail-in ballots for future elections.

For 2020, New Jersey will automatically mail every voter an absentee ballot, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

New Mexico

New Mexico voters can request an absentee ballot without an excuse, according to the New Mexico Office of the Secretary of State.

Applications can be completed online or by contacting the County Clerk’s Office in person, by phone, by mail, or email. Applications should be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2020.

Returned ballots must be received by the County Clerk’s Office or brought to an Election Day polling location no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

In addition, New Mexico voters can vote early in person from Oct. 17 through Oct. 31.

New York

New Yorkers can vote absentee if they have a valid reason, including being absent on Election Day, according to New York’s Board of Elections.

Applications can be requested online, by phone, by fax, in person, by email, or through the mail and must be received no later than the seventh day before an election.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, and for 2020, received by Nov. 10.

In 2020, New York allows voters to choose to vote absentee due to a temporary or permanent illness or disability, including risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

Alternatively, New York now allows early voting nine days before Election Day.

North Carolina

All voters in North Carolina can request an absentee ballot and do not need a reason to do so, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Voters can fill out a request through the online Absentee Ballot Request Portal or return the form to their county board of elections. Voters can also request one by email, fax, or in person. For 2020, the deadline to submit a request is 5 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Voters need to fill out their ballots in the presence of one witness. Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, and received by 5 p.m. on Nov 6.

North Carolina voters can also vote early in person from Oct. 15, 2020, to Oct. 31, 2020.

North Dakota

All North Dakota voters can vote absentee and do not need to provide a reason, according to the North Dakota Secretary of State.

To ask for a mail-in ballot, voters need to either electronically fill an application out and print it or ask for one from election officials of the county, city, or school district. Voters have to provide a number from their ID to apply.

Returned ballots need to be postmarked by Nov. 2, 2020, according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

Ohio

Any voter in Ohio can vote absentee without providing a reason, according to Ohio’s Secretary of State.

Absentee ballots can be requested by mailing the form to the county board of elections. Applications must be received by three days before an election.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election and received no later than 10 days after the election.

Ohio voters also have the option to vote early in person starting Oct. 6, 2020.

Oklahoma

Voters in Oklahoma can vote absentee and don’t need to give a reason to do so, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board.

Voters who wish to vote absentee can request an application online or download a request form to be mailed, delivered in person, faxed, or emailed to their County Election Board. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before an election.

Returned ballots must be notarized or include a copy of the voter’s valid ID, and must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Alternatively, Oklahoma allows voters to vote early in person at the county election board office on the Thursday and Friday before all elections, and also on the Saturday for state and federal elections.

Oregon

Voters in Oregon automatically receive a ballot two to three weeks before an election, according to the Oregon Secretary of State.

Voters who are traveling during the election or students who are going to school out of state can also request an absentee ballot by either filling out a form and sending it in or updating their status online using “My Vote​.​​​​​​”

Returned ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Pennsylvania

All voters can apply to vote with a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania without providing a reason, according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Voters who want to apply for a mail-in ballot can do so in person, by mail, or online with a Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo I.D. from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Applications need to be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before an election.

Returned ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Pennsylvania voters can also request to be added to the state’s permanent mail-in voter list and automatically receive ballots for all elections in the remainder of that year.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island voters can request a mail-in ballot if they cannot get to the polls on Election Day, according to the State of Rhode Island Board of Elections.

To request a ballot, voters should download the application from the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website, pick up the application in person, or call their local board. Ballot applications must be received by 4 p.m. on the 21st day before an election.

Returned ballots must be received by the State Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on the night of an election.

For 2020, the state’s Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea reminded eligible voters voting by mail was a “a safe and secure option” during COVID-19.

South Carolina

Voters in South Carolina can vote absentee if they meet several requirements, including living overseas or being away on vacation on Election Day, according to the South Carolina State Election Commission.

To get an absentee ballot, voters should request the ballot online or call or email their county voter registration office. Voters should return the application at least two weeks before an Election Day and must return it by 5 p.m. on the fourth day before an election.

Filled out ballots must be signed in front of a witness and received by the county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Alternatively, ballots can be returned in person by someone else by filling out the Authorization to Return Absentee Ballot Form.

South Dakota

Voters in South Dakota can request an absentee ballot for any reason, according to the South Dakota Secretary of State.

To request an application, voters need to download and print the Absentee Ballot Application and then mail it to their County Election Official. Applications either need to be notarized or include a copy of the voter's identification card. The application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on the day before an election.

Returned ballots must be received on Election Day “in enough time to deliver your ballot to your voting precinct before the polls close.”

Tennessee

Tennessee voters can vote by mail if they meet certain circumstances, including being outside their county during the early voting period and all day on Election Day, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State.

To obtain a ballot, voters must submit a written request to their local county election commission office by the seventh day before Election Day. The application has to include the voter’s social security number.

Returned ballots must be received no later than the close of polls on Election Day.

In addition, Tennessee has early voting. In 2020, early voting starts Oct. 14 and goes through Oct. 29.

Texas

Voters in Texas can request an absentee ballot if they meet several requirements, including being out of the county on Election Day and during early voting, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

Absentee ballots can be requested by mail or online and sent to the Early Voting Clerk in the voter’s county. Applications must be received by Oct. 23 for the 2020 General Election.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3, 2020, and received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2020.

Alternatively, Texas voters can vote early in person. In 2020, early voting is from Oct. 13 until Oct. 30.

Utah

All registered voters in Utah automatically receive an absentee ballot in the mail, according to the State of Utah.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by the day before Election Day.

Vermont

Vermont voters can vote by mail without providing a reason, according to the Vermont Secretary of State.

Absentee ballots can be requested online, in person, or through the mail, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. or by the close of the town clerk’s office on the day before an election.

Returned ballots must be received by the close of the town clerk’s office on the day before an election or to the polling place before 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For 2020, Vermont will mail all active voters an absentee ballot due to COVID-19.

Virginia

All Virginia voters can vote absentee and do not need to provide a reason to do so, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.

Absentee applications can be filled out online or by paper and mailed.

Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the registrar by noon on the third day after an election.

Alternatively, voters in Virginia can vote early in person at their local registrar’s office starting 45 days before Election Day up until the Saturday before Election Day.

Washington

All voters in Washington are automatically mailed an absentee ballot before an election, according to the Washington Secretary of State.

Some counties in Washington may also allow ballots to be forwarded if the voter is on vacation.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Washington D.C.

All voters in Washington D.C. will automatically be mailed a ballot for 2020, according to the District of Columbia Board of Elections.

Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, and must arrive no later than the tenth day after Election Day.

Washington D.C. also offers early voting. For 2020, that is from Oct. 27 through Nov. 2.

In addition, the District of Columbia offers a permanent absentee ballot list.

West Virginia

Voters in West Virginia can vote absentee if they meet one of the requirements, including traveling during Election Day and during the early voting period, according to West Virginia’s Office of the Secretary of State.

To request an absentee ballot, voters can fill out the application and send it to the county clerk via fax, mail, email, or in person. Applications must be received by the sixth day before each election.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the start of Canvass (five days after the election, excluding Sundays). Ballots can also be hand-delivered to the County Clerk's office by the day before Election Day, though no one person may deliver more than two voters' absentee ballots.

Alternatively, West Virginia also offers early voting. In 2020, early voting starts Oct. 21.

For 2020, all voters in West Virginia can apply for an absentee ballot due to concerns over COVID-19 under the “medical reason.”

Wisconsin

All registered voters in Wisconsin can vote absentee and do not need a reason, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

To get an absentee ballot, applications must be completed and mailed to the municipal clerk's office or filled out online. Applications must be received by the clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the Thursday before an election.

Returned ballots must be delivered no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Alternatively, Wisconsin offers early voting in person, but hours differ by city, village, and town. A photo ID is required to vote in-person absentee.

Wyoming

All registered voters in Wyoming can request an absentee ballot, according to the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office.

Absentee ballots can be requested by phone, by mailing the application to the county clerk, by email, in person, or online.

Returned ballots must be received in the county clerk's office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she’s not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.