How to secure mail-in ballot for the US presidential election

US elections 2024: Mail-in votinghas gained significant traction, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the presidential election approaching on November 5, many voters may be running out of time to request mail-in ballots. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you can cast your vote.

How to vote absentee or by mail

Start by visiting the "Can I Vote" website and selecting your state from the dropdown menu. This will direct you to your state’s specific absentee voting information.

Keep in mind that many states require a valid reason to qualify for absentee voting. Common acceptable reasons include:

• Being away on business or vacation outside your county or city on Election Day
• Inability to reach your polling place due to illness, injury, or disability
• Attending an out-of-state college or university

It's essential to be aware of your state’s deadlines for requesting and returning your absentee ballot. Check whether the deadlines pertain to when your ballot must be postmarked or when it needs to arrive at the election office.

Current options for requesting mail-in ballots

As Election Day draws near, several states still allow requests for mail-in ballots, though deadlines are fast approaching. For example, in Connecticut, requests must be submitted by the day before Election Day. In Delaware, in-person requests can be made until noon the day prior. Both Illinois and Iowa also permit in-person requests until that same day.

Maryland is unique in that it allows in-person requests right up to Election Day. In Michigan, voters must make requests by 4 PM the day before, while Minnesota accommodates all forms of requests up until Election Day.

Mississippi does not enforce strict deadlines but recommends that voters request their ballots by October 29. Missouri has a cutoff of 5 PM the day before, and Montana accepts requests until noon that day. New Hampshire has no specific deadline, although an eligible excuse is required for absentee ballots. In New Jersey, in-person requests must be made by 3 PM the day before. New York and South Dakota both allow requests until the day before Election Day. Wisconsin allows in-person requests until November 3, while Wyoming requires that all requests be received by the day before.

(With inputs from agencies)