How To Vote In 13 States With The Strictest Vote By Mail Laws

Photo by Tiffany Tertipes on Unsplash

As states across the country gear up to vote by mail in 2020, the GOP has become increasingly creative at finding ways to suppress voting rights. Many states with Democratic leadership are mailing ballots, or at least applications for absentee ballots, to every active voter. Meanwhile, red states are enacting strict measures that severely limit the ability to vote by mail. Notarization, ID documentation, and witness signatures are notorious for the disfranchisement of minority voters and are prominent features of Republican plans to suppress votes all across the south.

In order to thwart voter suppression and assist every citizen in exercising their right to vote safely, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide for voting in the states that have the strictest absentee ballot requirements. Also included is a list of additional states where lawsuits are pending that may pave the way for further GOP suppression or relaxed restrictions.

6 States Limiting Vote By Mail And Absentee Ballots

The states listed below not only limit who qualifies for voting by mail but they also require voters to request an absentee ballot up to a week in advance and in some cases, have their ballots witnessed or notarized in order to be counted.

Even if you do qualify for an absentee ballot, pay special attention to the deadlines and get your ballot turned in early. And avoid the three most common ballot mistakes by checking to make sure yours is signed, sealed, and delivered on time. If you think there’s any possibility you’ll miss the postmarked by or received by deadline, opt to deliver your absentee ballot in person at the county clerk’s office or a polling location.

1. Indiana

A lawsuit is pending in Indiana that would require the state to drop their need for an excuse to vote absentee this fall. While things get sorted out, you should still proceed as if an excuse is required. A federal court in Indiana recently overturned the state’s signature match requirement as unconstitutional. This means if there is an issue with your ballot, you will need to be notified and given the opportunity to fix the problem.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 5th

Step 2: Determine if you meet the criteria (there are 11 valid excuses detailed here) in order to request an absentee ballot.

Step 3: Request an absentee ballot here if you qualify before October 22nd.

Step 4: Fill out, sign, and mail your absentee ballot if you qualify for one as early as possible. It must be received (not postmarked but received) by noon on November 3rd.

Step 5: If you don’t qualify to vote absentee, plan to vote early to avoid the crowds. Check with local officials for exact dates and times, but counties should be offering early voting starting October 6th.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Indiana?
Although some counties may offer different tools, there is not a statewide system or initiative in place to track absentee ballots.

2. Lousiana

A plan has been submitted to the legislature that would allow Louisiana voters who have tested positive for coronavirus to vote by mail. Otherwise, the state requires you to be 65 or older, hospitalized, or out of town during the election in order to qualify for an absentee ballot. Typically, you can not vote by mail as a first-time voter in a parish. However, students are allowed to enclose photocopies of a valid ID. You are also required to have a witness sign your absentee ballot in order for it to be counted.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 5th or online by October 13th

Step 2: Determine if you meet the criteria detailed here in order to request an absentee ballot.

Step 3: Request an absentee ballot here if you qualify before October 30th.

Step 4: Fill out your ballot, sign it, and get a witness to sign your absentee ballot.

Step 5: Mail your absentee ballot if you qualify for one as early as possible. It must be received (not postmarked but received) by November 2nd.

Step 6: If you don’t qualify to vote absentee, plan to vote early to avoid the crowds. Parishes in Lousiana are required to offer early voting on October 20th-24th and October 26th-27th. Details here.

Step 7: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Louisiana?
You can track the status of your Lousiana absentee ballot in the voter portal here.

3. Mississippi

Mississippi is another state where an excuse is required to vote absentee, although a pending lawsuit hopes to change that. For now, you won’t qualify for a Mississippi absentee ballot unless you’re military, overseas, 65 or older, sick, or caring for someone in quarantine. There’s also no early voting in Mississippi, although you can cast your absentee ballot in person before October 31st. The catch here is Mississippi requires your ballot to be notarized by a state official or authorized notary public, so the easiest way to cast your ballot is simply to do it all in one step at the county or municipal clerk’s office.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 5th

Step 2: Determine if you meet the criteria detailed by your county here in order to request an absentee ballot.

Step 3: Request an absentee ballot here if you qualify. The last day to cast an absentee ballot in person is October 31st.

Step 4: Fill out your ballot, sign it, and get your absentee ballot notarized. This can be done at the county clerk’s office or by an authorized notary public for a fee.

Step 5: Mail your absentee ballot if you qualify for one as early as possible. It must be postmarked by November 3rd and received by November 10th.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Mississippi?
Although some counties may offer different tools, there is not a statewide system or initiative in place to track absentee ballots.

4. South Carolina

Another southern state that’s trying to tie their voters up in red tape is South Carolina. You’ll need an excuse that includes being 65 or older, out of town, or being hospitalized on election day. South Carolina courts did waive the two witness signature or notary requirements on absentee ballots due to the pandemic, but you’ll still be required to have at least one witness signature. There’s no early voting in South Carolina but you can vote absentee if you qualify at your county election office or an official satellite location.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 4th online or by the 5th via mail

Step 2: Determine if you meet the criteria detailed here in order to request an absentee ballot.

Step 3: Request an absentee ballot here if you qualify by October 30th or apply in person by November 2nd.

Step 4: Fill out your ballot, sign it, and get your absentee ballot signed by a witness.

Step 5: Mail your absentee ballot if you qualify for one as early as possible. Ballots must be received (not postmarked) by November 3rd.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in South Carolina?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee is another state where you’ll need to have an excuse to get an absentee ballot, although they do make allowances for individuals that qualify as high-risk for COVID-19. Otherwise, you can only get an absentee ballot if you’re 60 or older, military or overseas, sick, or out of town on election day. The good news is Tennessee does offer early voting and you won’t be required to provide witness signatures or have your ballot notarized.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 5th

Step 2: Determine if you meet the criteria detailed here in order to request an absentee ballot.

Step 3: Request an absentee ballot here if you qualify by October 27th.

Step 4: If you don’t qualify to vote absentee, plan to vote early to avoid the crowds. Check with local officials for exact dates and times, but counties should be offering early voting starting October 14th.

Step 5: Fill out, sign, and mail your absentee ballot if you qualify for one as early as possible. Ballots must be received (not postmarked) by November 3rd.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Tennessee?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

6. Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the confusion about how to vote absentee. The short answer is you’ll need an excuse to qualify for an absentee ballot depending on your county. In Texas, registered voters can get an absentee ballot if they are 65 years or older, will be out of town on election day, have a disability or an illness, or are currently incarcerated but still eligible to vote under Texas law. The good news is Texas doesn’t require additional signatures or notarization on their absentee ballots and there’s a fairly generous window for early voting.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 5th

Step 2: Determine if you meet the criteria detailed here in order to request an absentee ballot.

Step 3: Request an absentee ballot here if you qualify by October 23rd.

Step 4: If you don’t qualify to vote absentee, plan to vote early to avoid the crowds. Check with local officials for exact dates and times, but counties should be offering early voting starting October 13th.

Step 5: Fill out, sign, and mail your absentee ballot if you qualify for one as early as possible. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3rd and received by November 4th.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Texas?
Military and overseas voters can track their ballots on the state website here. Other voters must refer to their county for more information about the status of their absentee ballot here.

7 States That Require Notarization, Witness Signatures, Or Other Documentation

These states are pretty flexible as to who can apply for an absentee ballot, but you’ll have to do a little extra footwork to make your vote count. Voters will be required to jump through hoops like notarization, witness signatures, or provide other documentation like photocopies of valid ID in order for their absentee ballot to pass muster with state officials.

1. Alabama

Not only has Alabama made voters run the gauntlet of documentation requirements to vote by mail, but they also have strict rules that specify only the voter can legally drop off or mail their own ballot. It’s one of many reasons Alabama earns the worst grade in the country (an F) from the Brookings Institution state-by-state voting by mail scorecard. There’s also no early voting in Alabama, although you can drop off your ballot in person.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 19th

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 29th. The pandemic counts as a valid “physical illness or infirmity” excuse.

Step 3: Fill out, sign, and have your ballot signed by two witnesses or a notary public. You must also include a photocopy of your valid government or military issued photo ID.

Step 4: Mail your absentee ballot as early as possible. Ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person by November 2nd and received by noon on November 3rd.

Step 5: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Alabama?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

2. Alaska

While any Alaskan voter can request an absentee ballot, a pending lawsuit alleges Alaska’s effort to mail absentee ballot applications only to voters 65 or older is discriminatory. Alaska is also requiring a witness or notary signature and they have one of the earliest voter registration deadlines in the country.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 4th.

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 24th. Voters 65 and older will have an application mailed to them.

Step 3: Fill out, sign, and have your ballot signed by a witness or notary.

Step 4: Mail your absentee ballot as early as possible. Ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person by November 3rd and received by November 13th.

Step 5: If you missed the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot, you can still vote early beginning October 19th. Check with local election officials here for dates, times, and locations.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Alaska?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

3. Arkansas

Arkansas is allowing any voter who has concerns about the pandemic to request an absentee ballot, but you’ll have to provide some documentation in the form of a photocopy of your ID to have your ballot counted. Arkansas is also offering early voting and you can drop your absentee ballot off in person if you prefer.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 5th

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 27th or in-person by November 2nd. You can cite fear of COVID-19 exposure as an excuse.

Step 3: Fill out and sign your ballot. Don’t forget to include a photocopy of your valid government or military issued photo ID.

Step 4: Mail your absentee ballot as early as possible. Ballots must be received (not postmarked) by November 3rd or you can deliver your ballot in person by November 2nd.

Step 5: If you missed the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot, you can still vote early beginning October 19th. Check with local election officials here for dates, times, and locations.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Arkansas?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

4. Missouri

Missouri has made their process a bit confusing by separating voters who get absentee ballots from voters who have concerns about coronavirus and can request “mail-in” ballots. Most mail-in ballots and absentee ballots require notarization with a small loophole. Those who qualify for an absentee ballot due to “contracted or at risk for coronavirus” or “incapacity or confinement due to illness” do not have to get their ballots notarized. There’s also no early voting in Missouri, although you can submit your absentee ballot in-person.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 7th

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 21st if you meet the criteria including having caught COVID-19 or being high risk. You can also request a mail-in ballot without an excuse here by October 21st or in-person by November 2nd.

Step 3: Fill out and sign your ballot. You’ll also need to get it notarized (unless you qualified for the loophole we mentioned above), which can be done at a public notary or at your county or municipal clerk office.

Step 4: Mail your absentee or mail-in ballot as early as possible. Ballots must be received (not postmarked) by November 3rd.

Step 5: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Missouri?
Although some counties may offer different tools, there is not a statewide system or initiative in place to track absentee ballots.

5. North Carolina

While North Carolina does have a witness signature requirement, the state has made changes to improve access to safe voting options during the pandemic. One-stop absentee voter stations through the state allow voters to register and vote in-person through October 31st in addition to a robust early voting schedule. Not only can voters request an absentee ballot without an excuse, but a recent court decision requires the state to alert voters of any issues with their ballots and provide a chance to fix the problem. There’s also no voter ID requirement in North Carolina due to a federal court decision in 2019.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 9th

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 27th.

Step 3: If you missed either deadline, you can still register to vote and cast a ballot in person at absentee voting stations through the state before October 31st. Find one here.

Step 4: Fill out and sign your ballot. You’ll also need to have it signed by a witness.

Step 5: Mail your absentee ballot as early as possible. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3rd and received by November 6th.

Step 6: If you didn’t manage to snag an absentee ballot, you can still vote early starting October 15th. Check with local officials here for dates, times, and locations.

Step 7: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in North Carolina?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

6. Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s absentee ballots typically require notarization, but they’ve made some adjustments to accommodate the dangers the pandemic presents. Voters are instead allowed to submit ballots with two witness signatures if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are at high risk for COVID-19. While Oklahoma does offer early voting, the window is too narrow to be widely useful.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 9th

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 27th.

Step 3: Fill out and sign your ballot. You’ll also need to have it notarized or signed by two witnesses if you have COVID-19 or are at high risk.

Step 4: Mail your absentee ballot as early as possible. Ballots must be received (not postmarked) by November 3rd.

Step 5: If you didn’t manage to snag an absentee ballot, you can still vote early starting October 29th-31st. Check with local officials here for dates, times, and locations.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

7. Wisconsin

As a swing state, Wisconsin is under a lot of pressure to provide voters with options during the pandemic after the GOP earned the ire of many with a last-minute court decision requiring in-person voting during the primary. This time around you can not only vote absentee without providing an excuse, but the state has committed to mailing an absentee ballot application to every eligible voter. However, there is a witness signature requirement for absentee ballots to be counted.

Step 1: Register to vote here by October 14th or at the municipal clerk’s office by October 30th. Wisconsin also allows same-day registration on election day.

Step 2: Request an absentee ballot here by October 29th.

Step 3: Fill out and sign your ballot and have a witness sign it as indicated.

Step 4: Mail your absentee ballots as early as possible. Ballots must be received (not postmarked) by November 3rd.

Step 5: If you didn’t manage to snag an absentee ballot, you can still vote early starting October 20th in most counties. Check with local officials here for dates, times, and locations.

Step 6: Vote in-person on November 3rd if you have to, valid photo government or military-issued ID required. Find your local polling place here.

Can I track my absentee ballot in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can track whether or not your absentee ballot was sent or received by visiting the state website here.

7 States To Keep On Your Voting Watchlist

1. Illinois

A lawsuit filed by Republicans seeks to stop Illinois from mailing absentee ballots to every voter. The state’s effort to count ballots as valid if they are postmarked by November 3rd is also being contested.

2. Iowa

The Trump campaign is suing some “left-leaning” counties in Iowa over their plan to send pre-filled absentee ballot request forms to both active and in some cases inactive voters. Iowa democratic officials say these reminders increase voter engagement by making it easier to fill out the requests.

3. Montana

The governor of Montana, Democrat Steve Bullock, has given counties the option to mail ballots directly to all voters to encourage mail only voting this fall. So far 33 counties have chosen to do so, making it likely that the majority of registered Montana voters will receive ballots in the mail. Voters who don’t receive ballots from their county can still request an absentee ballot here by November 2nd.

4. Minnesota

The good news in Minnesota is that a judge affirmed that the state can waive the usual signature requirement on absentee ballots due to the pandemic. The bad news is you still have to request an absentee ballot and in jurisdictions containing less than 217,056 registered voters, traditional polling places can close due to the risks of the pandemic.

5. Nevada

Nevada, which has always had problems with transient populations, has opted to mail ballots to every active voter in the state due to the pandemic and to extend the mail-in deadline. The Trump administration is suing to stop these efforts, calling the measures a democratic “coup” even though they are not contesting neighboring Utah’s similar longstanding policy of mailing ballots to all voters.

6. Ohio

Currently, Ohio doesn’t allow voters to track their absentee ballots, but a lawsuit aims to change that by requiring the state to set up a voter portal. Ohio’s notoriously strict signature match practices are also being contested by Ohio Dems who say too many voters are disenfranchised by the practice.

7. Pennsylvania

As a swing state, Pennsylvania mail-in voting has become something of a battleground this fall with both Trump and Democrats suing over the state’s plans to provide ballot drop boxes. Dems not only want the ballot boxes affirmed but they’re also asking the state to allow ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by election day.

Don’t see your state on this list? Investigate your state’s deadlines, requirements, and more here.

The Rantt Rundown

While it would be nice to live in a country that made voting easy and valued the input of its citizens, America is still very much a democracy in progress on that front. For now, no matter which state you live in, you can ensure your ballot gets counted by carefully following the steps we’ve outlined, staying informed, and tracking your ballot.

If you do opt to brave the polls on Election Day, do so armed with a thorough understanding of your rights, a mask, some hand sanitizer, and a whole lotta snacks. This is likely to be the most important election of your lifetime. Make it count.