{"id":351508,"date":"2020-05-27T07:57:59","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T12:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/vote-by-mail-states.html"},"modified":"2026-05-04T16:42:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T21:42:04","slug":"vote-by-mail-states","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/vote-by-mail-states.html","title":{"rendered":"Which States Allow Mail-In Voting? Vote by Mail Rules by State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Which States Allow Mail-In Voting? Vote by Mail Rules by State<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

All 50 states allow some form of mail-in or absentee voting<\/span>. However, the rules differ depending on where you live. Eight states and the District of Columbia automatically send ballots to every registered voter<\/span>. Twenty-eight states allow any voter to request a ballot without a reason. Meanwhile, fourteen states require a qualifying excuse before they will send one.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the different approaches to mail-in voting used in different states. We\u2019ll also go over how to fill out your mail-in ballot<\/span> and how to ensure it is counted.<\/p>\n

Every eligible voter<\/span> has the right to cast a ballot. If you run into problems with the mail-in voting process or believe your voting rights were violated, contact a civil rights attorney<\/a>. They can provide legal advice on the next steps.<\/p>\n

Do All States Allow Mail-In Voting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yes. All 50 states allow mail-in voting or absentee voting<\/span>. However, each state may have different processes for voting by mail<\/span> or absentee voting<\/span>. Understanding which category your state falls into helps you determine what steps, if any, you need to take.<\/p>\n

States fall into three broad categories:<\/p>\n