Whenever there’s criticism aimed at the president or close associates, it seems to coincide with discussions around mail-in ballots. Despite ongoing investigations into these unproven claims and the litigation that follows, these narratives keep resurfacing.
Voting by mail, whether absentee or from home, isn’t new—nor is it a partisan issue. On the contrary, mail-in voting is considered one of the most secure methods available in the U.S. Rather than threatening democracy, perhaps it offers a remedy for a democracy that risks becoming a spectator sport.
The practice actually began during the Civil War. In 1864, the question arose: Should soldiers on the front lines be deprived of their voting rights? The consensus was a resounding no. Out of the 25 Union states, 19 adopted laws enabling absentee voting. The key idea was clear: Your ability to vote shouldn’t vanish merely because you aren’t physically near a polling place.
Since then, mail-in voting has become integral to American elections. Both Republicans and Democrats have historically broadened access, recognizing the importance of mailed votes for voter participation. This has led to reduced barriers for voting within states and has allowed local jurisdictions to conduct full mail-ballot elections for specific contests.
In fact, Oregon was the first to implement an all-mail voting system federally in 1996, with a subsequent measure in 1998 that ensured all active registered voters would automatically receive ballots in all elections. Now, there are eight states plus Washington, D.C., utilizing universal mail-in voting. Interestingly, while a few states restrict it, around 48 million people participated by mail in the 2024 general election.
States have the right to set their own election procedures and often look for ways to expand mail-in voting options. For instance, Utah implemented a county-by-county approach that culminated in 2012, with all counties finally coming on board by 2019. A January 2024 poll from a conservative think tank in Utah found that 76% of voters believed the mail-in process led to fair outcomes.
In places like Arizona and Montana, a single sign-up allows you to receive a mail-in ballot automatically for each election. Michigan’s voters passed a measure in 2018 making absentee ballots more accessible, which was solidified in 2022. Mail voting is effective because it provides voters with secure and flexible options, which many find appealing.
Ultimately, the most significant aspect may be its impact on voter turnout. Reports indicate that states with mail-in voting generally see higher participation—academic studies from 2020 suggest an average increase of over 5%. That year, New Jersey introduced mail-in voting for everyone, achieving the highest youth turnout in the country at 67%. However, when they reverted to traditional polling in 2024, youth turnout plummeted to 42%.
This leads to a critical question: Could mail-in voting actually boost participation across various demographics? Despite record levels of engagement—67% of eligible voters in 2020—American turnout remains lower in comparison to many established democracies, from Australia to various European nations. In the 2024 presidential election, over 80 million eligible Americans didn’t cast their ballots.
It’s even more concerning in primary elections, where voter turnout can determine who holds power in Congress and state governments. In the 2024 primaries, only 18.5% of eligible citizens participated, revealing that less than one in five voted, with the average age of voters being 65. Local elections for mayor, city council, and school board often see similar trends.
So, what’s behind the relentless criticism of mail-in voting? It seems to stem from fear. The worry isn’t that Americans are afraid to vote; it’s more that those opting out are allowing a small fraction of citizens to dictate governance.
Mail-in voting is not a threat; rather, it encourages democratic participation at a time when actual voter fraud is exceedingly rare, yet voter apathy is alarmingly common. Once mail-in voting becomes widespread, participation can transform from an obstacle to a simple habit. For a more representative America, the message is clear: empower each voter and trust them to exercise that right.
