Are States Ready for a COVID-19 Election?

Alabama's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Alabama have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	15 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Alabama’s remote voting processes have no flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the country or state, being a student outside the county, an illness or disability, or a work shift. Voters can also request absentee ballots if they are an election worker or poll watcher, a caregiver, or incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due five days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by noon on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Voters must provide a copy of their identification and a signed voter statement.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Because it does not offer early voting, Alabama has no flexibility in this area.

Alaska's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Alaska have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when they apply for a Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Individuals are notified (usually by mail) that they will be registered, at which point they can opt out.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Alaska's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

If applying for an absentee ballot by mail, the application is due ten days before the election. If applying electronically, the application is due by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots must be mailed no later than Election Day and received no later than the tenth day after Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

The signature of a witness or an official authorized to administer oaths is required in addition to the signed voter statement. For first-time voters, a copy of the voter's identification or other document showing name and address is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Alaska does not notify voters if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Alaska's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 15 days before the election and ends on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at an election supervisor's office or at another location designated by an election director. Days and times vary by election jurisdiction.

Arizona's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Arizona have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	29 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Arizona's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Arizona voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently, which means that they will receive ballots in the mail every election after they select this option.

Application due date

Applications are due 11 days before Election Day, by 5:00 p.m. local time.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter’s signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

In the case of a rejected ballot, a reasonable effort to contact the voter will be made. Rejected ballots must be “cured” within five days of the election.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Arizona's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 27 days before Election Day and ends the Friday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the county recorder's office, or at any other locations in the county that the recorder deems acceptable. Days and times for early voting are not specified.

Voter registration processes in Arkansas have no flexibility.

Does Arkansas have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	No

Remote voting processes in Arkansas have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot if they are “unavoidably absent” or if they have an illness or disability.

Application due date

Applications are due seven days before the general election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. (If a voter is out of the country, the ballot must be postmarked by Election Day but can arrive up to ten days after Election Day.)

How are ballots verified?

A copy of the voter's identification and a signed voter statement is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Early voting processes in Arkansas have low flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 15 days before Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at their county clerk's office or other locations as determined by the county board of election commissioners. Early voting takes place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Early voting is not available on state and county holidays.

California's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does California have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	15 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

California's remote voting processes have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. California voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently, which means that they will receive ballots in the mail every election after they select this option.

Application due date

Applications are due seven days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within three days of the election.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified of a rejected ballot no later than eight days before the election is certified. “Cured” ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. two days prior to election certification.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

California's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 29 days before the election and ends the day before the election.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of county election officials and at other locations as determined by county election officials. Early voting days and times vary by county.

Colorado's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Colorado have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Division of Motor Vehicles). Individuals are notified (usually by mail) that they will be registered unless they choose to opt out.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Colorado's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Colorado is a universal vote-by-mail state. Under this approach, all voting occurs through mail-in ballots, and voting in person is limited to special circumstances.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters whose ballots have a missing or mismatched signature are notified by mail within three days (or within two days after the election). For these ballots to be counted, voters must provide a confirmation form and a letter to the county clerk and recorder within eight days of Election Day.

Colorado's early voting processes have low flexibility. Colorado is a universal vote-by-mail state that provides some in-person early voting options.

What is the early voting period?

Voter service and polling centers must be open 15 days before an election. Early voting ends on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots during normal business hours every day but Sunday within the 15-day early voting period. Locations for early voting are determined by county election officials.

Connecticut's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Connecticut have automatic voter registration?

Although Connecticut does not have automatic voter registration, it does allow residents to opt into registration during certain interactions with state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	Seven days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Connecticut's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of town, an illness or a disability, employment as an election worker or poll watcher, and religious beliefs or practices.

Application due date

Applications are due the day before the general election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by the time the polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

A signed voter statement is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Because it does not offer early voting, Connecticut has no flexibility in this area.

Delaware's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Delaware have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	24 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Delaware's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include an illness or a disability, a work shift (including constant caregiving), religious beliefs or practices, and being out of the district on Election Day.

Application due date

Applications are due by noon on the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due before the polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

A signed voter's statement is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballots online, but state law does not specify a remedy process for addressing discarded or rejected ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

What is the early voting period?

There is no designated early voting period in Delaware, but the state has in-person absentee voting for those who cannot vote on Election Day. To vote before Election Day, voters must provide an acceptable excuse.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place at the offices of registrars and at election offices. No days or times are specified.

Voter registration processes in Washington, D.C., have high flexibility.

Does Washington, D.C., have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Remote voting processes in Washington, D.C., have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Voters in Washington, D.C., can also choose to vote by mail permanently, which means that they will receive ballots in the mail every election after they select this option.

Application due date

Applications must be received no later than seven days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive no later than seven days after Election Day. (If not postmarked by Election Day, other proof of completion must be sent.)

How are ballots verified?

A signed voter statement is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Early voting processes in Washington, D.C., have low flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 12 days before Election Day and ends the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

The elections board will designate no fewer than eight early voting centers, and at least one early voting center within each election ward must be in a central location. Early voting centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Florida's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Florida have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	29 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Florida's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Applications must be received no later than ten days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

County election supervisors are required to notify any voter whose signature is missing or doesn't match records. Such ballots can be “cured” until 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	No
Application return restrictions	No

Florida's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins ten days before Election Day and ends three days before Election Day.

When an election includes state and federal races, it is at the discretion of the elections supervisor to offer early voting 11 to 15 days before Election Day and end it two days before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at main or branch offices of elections supervisors or at other sites designated by the elections supervisor. Voting hours are no less than eight and no more than 12 per day. Election supervisors can also choose to provide additional days of early voting, including weekends.

Georgia's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Georgia have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Driver Services). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	29 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Georgia's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due four days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

If a ballot is rejected, the voter is promptly notified. The voter must “cure” the ballot within three days of the election.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Georgia's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins the fourth Monday before a primary or election, or as soon as possible prior to a runoff. Early voting ends the Friday immediately before a primary, election, or runoff.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at board of registrars' offices or at other sites designated by a board of registrars. (A voting location must be a government building that is generally accessible to the public.)

Voting takes place during normal business hours on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the second Saturday prior to a primary or election. Election officials can choose to allow early voting beyond regular business hours.

Hawaii's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Hawaii have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Hawaii's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Hawaii is a universal vote-by-mail state. Under this approach, all voting occurs through mail-in ballots, and voting in person is limited to special circumstances.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified about a rejected ballot by first-class mail, telephone, or email. Voters have until five days after the election to remedy the issue.

Hawaii's early voting processes have low flexibility. Hawaii is a universal vote-by-mail state that provides some in-person early voting options.

What is the early voting period?

In-person early voting can begin ten working days prior to Election Day and ends at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place at the offices of county clerks. Voting hours and any additional voting sites are designated by county clerks. On Election Day, voting hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Idaho's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Idaho have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Idaho's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications must be received 11 days prior to the election by 5:00 p.m.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Idaho's early voting processes have low flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Idaho has in-person absentee voting, which begins on or before the third Monday prior to Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Polling places for in-person absentee voting are determined by the county clerk; days and times are not specified. (If a voter is unable—due to physical or other disability—to enter the polling place, an election clerk can hand the voter a ballot outside the polling place but within 40 feet of the building.)

Voter registration processes in Illinois have high flexibility.

Does Illinois have automatic voter registration?

Although Illinois does not have automatic voter registration, it does allow residents to opt into registration during certain interactions with state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Remote voting processes in Illinois have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications must be received five days prior to the election.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked by the end of the day on Election Day and received before the “period for counting provisional ballots cast at that election” closes (i.e., 14 days after the election).

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified within two days of a ballot being rejected and/or before the closing of the period for counting provisional ballots. Voters then have until 14 days after the election to resolve the issue with the county election authority.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	No
Application return restrictions	No

Early voting processes in Illinois have high flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins on the 40th day before the election for temporary polling locations and on the 15th day before the election for permanent polling locations. The early voting period ends on the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

An election authority can establish permanent and temporary polling places for early voting. These include the offices of municipal clerks, offices of township clerks, and county or local public agency offices. Early voting locations must be provided at public universities.

During the early voting period, permanent polling locations must remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Beginning eight days before an election, they must remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays and holidays, and from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. These permanent locations must stay open at least eight hours on any holiday and a total of at least 14 hours on the final weekend during the early voting period.

Election authorities decide the days and hours for temporary early voting locations.

Indiana's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Indiana have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	29 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Indiana's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

For primary elections, all eligible voters can request an absentee ballot. For general elections, voters must provide an acceptable excuse to request an absentee ballot. Acceptable excuses include being out of the county, an illness or disability, a work shift, religious beliefs or practices, and lack of transportation. Voters can also request absentee ballots if they are election workers or poll watchers, participants in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), or a caregiver to an invalid.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due 12 days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by the time polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Indiana's early voting processes have no flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Indiana offers in-person absentee voting with an appropriate excuse. In-person absentee voting begins 28 days before Election Day and ends at noon on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

In-person absentee ballots are cast at the offices of circuit court clerks. Satellite locations for early voting can also be established.

In-person absentee voting must be available for at least seven hours on each of the two Saturdays before Election Day, but a county with fewer than 20,000 voters can reduce this period to a minimum of four hours on each of the two Saturdays before Election Day.

Iowa's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Iowa have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	10 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Iowa's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Applications for an absentee ballot must be received 5:00 p.m. on the Friday that falls 11 days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked the day before Election Day and received within six days of Election Day. Ballots can also be delivered to a polling place on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

If a ballot affidavit is incomplete or absent, the election commissioner must notify the voter within 24 hours. The voter then has until the day before the election to submit a replacement ballot or cast a ballot at a designated polling place.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Iowa's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Iowa has in-person absentee voting, which begins 29 days before Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

In-person absentee ballots are cast at the offices of election commissioners. Satellite locations can be established by the election commissioner but only upon receipt of a petition signed by at least 100 eligible electors. Any satellite polling location that is established by petition must be open at least one day for a minimum of six hours.

Kansas's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Kansas have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	21 days before election day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Kansas's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications must be received no later than seven days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified if their ballot has been discarded or rejected. These ballots must be “cured” by the end of the official canvass (the process by which ballots are counted and votes are tabulated).

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Kansas's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

In-person advance voting can begin up to 20 days before the election. All counties must offer in-person advance voting no later than one week before the election.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of county election officers, who can also designate satellite locations. Days and times for early voting are not specified.

Kentucky's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Kentucky have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	29 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Kentucky's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Voters must provide an acceptable excuse to request an absentee ballot. Acceptable excuses include being out of the country, temporarily living out of state, or being a student outside the county; an illness or disability; a work shift; and jury duty. Voters can also request absentee ballots if they are election workers or poll watchers or incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due seven days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by the time polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record. (If the voter signs with a mark instead of a signature, two witnesses are required.)

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	No
Application return restrictions	Yes

Kentucky has no flexibility in its early voting processes.

What is the early voting period?

Kentucky has in-person absentee voting for those who provide an acceptable excuse. The voting period begins at least 12 working days before Election Day and ends on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

In-person absentee ballots can be cast during normal business hours at a county clerk's office or at another place that is designated by the county board of elections and approved by the state board of elections.

Louisiana's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Louisiana have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Louisiana has no flexibility in its remote voting processes.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Voters must provide an acceptable excuse to request an absentee ballot. Acceptable excuses include being outside the parish, an illness or disability, a work shift, and jury duty. Voters can also request absentee ballots if they are election workers or poll watchers, participants in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), or incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due four days before Election Day by 4:30 p.m.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots must be received by 4:30 p.m. the day before Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

A witness signature is required in addition to a signed voter statement.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Louisiana's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 14 days before Election Day and ends seven days before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at a registrar's office from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for holidays. One branch office of the registrar can also be designated as an early voting location, as long as it is in a public building. Alternative early voting locations can be established in the courthouse or in a public building in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Maine's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Maine have automatic voter registration?

No, but there are plans to implement automatic voter registration starting in 2022.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	No

Maine's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due by the third day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due before the polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

The state does not notify voters if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Maine's early voting processes have high flexibility due to a long early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Maine has in-person absentee voting, which begins as soon as absentee ballots are ready (30 to 45 days before the election) and ends three business days before Election Day, unless the voter has an acceptable excuse.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots during regular business hours at a municipal clerk's office.

Maryland's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Maryland have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Motor Vehicle Administration). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Maryland's remote voting processes have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Applications sent via mail or fax are due the Tuesday before Election Day. Online applications are due the Friday before Election Day. If applying in person via an agent, applications are due by the time polls close on Election Day.

Ballot due date

Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than ten days after Election Day, by 10:00 a.m.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can inquire about discarded or rejected ballots. Ballots must be “cured” within five days of the date that the official canvass is completed.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Maryland's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins the second Thursday before a primary or general election and ends the Thursday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting locations are established by the state board of elections in collaboration with local boards. The number of locations depends on a county's population and can range from one to five locations per county. Hours for early voting are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in a presidential election, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day for all other elections.

Voter registration processes in Massachusetts have moderate flexibility.

Does Massachusetts have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	20 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Remote voting processes in Massachusetts have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Voters must provide an acceptable excuse to request an absentee ballot. Acceptable excuses include being out of town, being out of the county due to school or work, an illness or disability, and religious beliefs or practices.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due seven days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by the time the polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified prior to Election Day if an affidavit signature is absent or if the ballot is rejected for other reasons. If sufficient time allows, they will be sent a new ballot.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Early voting processes in Massachusetts have low flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting is available for state biennial elections. The early voting period begins 11 business days before Election Day and ends the second business day before the election (the Friday before Election Day).

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots during regular business hours at city hall election offices or at a town clerk's office. Additional locations and hours can be provided at the discretion of the city or town registrar.

Michigan's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Michigan have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Michigan's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Applications for an absentee ballot are due by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are contacted if a ballot affidavit is found in error. Should time allow, voters have an opportunity to request and submit a replacement ballot.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Michigan's early voting processes have high flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Michigan has in-person absentee voting, which begins 40 days before Election Day and ends the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

There is at least one early voting location per voting jurisdiction. Early voting locations are open during regular business hours and for at least eight hours on the Saturday and/or Sunday immediately before Election Day. Local election officials can also make in-person absentee voting available for additional times and places beyond what is required.

Minnesota's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Minnesota have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Minnesota's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently.

Application due date

Vote-by-mail applications are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Mail-in ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record. The ballot must also be notarized or signed by a witness who is also a registered Minnesota voter.

Voters must also include a certificate with their driver's license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number, or they must indicate that they do not have one of these numbers.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Minnesota's early voting processes have high flexibility due to a long early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Minnesota offers in-person absentee voting, which begins 46 days before Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the county auditor's office in each county and at the clerk's office in each city or town. Early voting is available during regular business hours on weekdays; from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Saturday before Election Day; and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the day before Election Day.

Mississippi's voter registration processes have no flexibility.

Does Mississippi have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	No

Mississippi has no flexibility in its remote voting processes.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the country, an illness or disability, or being a caregiver to an invalid.

Application due date

Applications for an absentee ballot are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

For presidential elections, completed absentee ballots are due by the time polls close on Election Day. For all other elections, ballots are due by 5:00 p.m. the day before Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record. The ballot must also be signed by a witness.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Mississippi's early voting processes have no flexibility. The state allows in-person absentee voting only with an acceptable excuse.

What is the early voting period?

In-person absentee voting begins 45 days before Election Day. The early voting period ends at noon on the Saturday immediately preceding elections held on a Tuesday, on the Thursday immediately preceding elections held on a Saturday, or the second day immediately preceding elections held on other days.

When and where does early voting take place?

Locations, days, and times for in-person absentee voting are not specified.

Missouri's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Missouri have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	27 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Missouri's remote voting processes have no flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the voting jurisdiction, an illness or disability, and religious beliefs or practices. Voters can also request absentee ballots if they are an election worker or poll watcher, a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), or incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by the time polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

The absentee ballot envelope must be signed by the voter and by an election official, notary, or other officer authorized to administer oaths. The voter's identification is also required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Missouri's early voting processes have no flexibility. The state allows in-person absentee voting only with an acceptable excuse.

What is the early voting period?

In-person absentee voting begins the sixth Tuesday before Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Locations, days, and times for in-person absentee voting are not specified.

Montana's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Montana have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	No

Montana's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently.

Application due date

Vote-by-mail applications are due by noon on the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Mail-in ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified as soon as possible if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. A replacement ballot must be requested by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Montana's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Montana has in-person absentee voting, which begins 30 days before Election Day and ends the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place at elections offices. No days or times are specified.

Nebraska's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Nebraska have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	11 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Nebraska's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due the second Friday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Mail-in ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

A signed oath by the voter is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Nebraska's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 30 days before Election Day and ends when the polls close on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of county clerks or election commissioners. Days and hours for early voting are not specified.

Nevada's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Nevada have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	28 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Nevada's remote voting processes have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently.

Application due date

Vote-by-mail applications are due 14 days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within the period for counting ballots.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

County clerks will notify voters of any signature absence or discrepancy. Voters then have until the seventh day after the election to resolve the issue.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Nevada's early voting processes have low flexibility due to the relatively short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins the third Saturday before Election Day and ends the Friday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Permanent and branch locations for early voting are designated by the county clerk. There can also be special requirements for early voting sites on Native American reservations.

Early voting hours are established by the county clerk but should be made available for at least eight hours a day Monday through Friday and for at least four hours on any Saturday that falls within the early voting period. The county clerk can also choose to offer Sunday hours and can require permanent voting locations to stay open until 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

New Hampshire's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does New Hampshire have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	No

New Hampshire's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being outside the town or city, an illness or disability, a work shift, religious beliefs or practices, or being a caregiver for a child or disabled person. Some voters can also be eligible to receive an absentee ballot due to a National Weather Service winter weather warning.

Application due date

Applications for an absentee ballot are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballots online, but state law does not require notification and does not specify a remedy process for addressing discarded or rejected ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Because it does not offer early voting, New Hampshire has no flexibility in this area.

New Jersey's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does New Jersey have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Motor Vehicle Commission). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	21 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

New Jersey's remote voting processes have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently.

Application due date

Vote-by-mail applications are due seven days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the county board within 48 hours of the polls closing.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballots online and can dispute ballot discrepancies after the election. However, state law does not require notification and no remedy process is specified for addressing discarded or rejected ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	No
Application return restrictions	No

New Jersey's early voting processes have high flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

New Jersey has in-person absentee voting, which begins 45 days before Election Day and ends at 3:00 p.m. on the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of county clerks. No days and times are specified.

New Mexico's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does New Mexico have automatic voter registration?

Automatic voter registration has been approved but is not yet implemented.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	28 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

New Mexico's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due the Tuesday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots must include a signed voter statement.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

New Mexico's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 28 days before Election Day and ends the Saturday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of county clerks. Depending on the number of voters in a county, one more alternate early voting locations can also be available.

Early voting takes place during regular hours and days of business and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the Saturday immediately prior to Election Day. Alternative voting locations will open no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and close no later than 9:00 p.m. All early voting locations must be open each day of early voting for at least eight consecutive hours. Alternative voting locations can be closed Sundays and Mondays during the early voting period.

New York's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does New York have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	25 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

New York's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being outside the county or outside New York City, an illness or disability, being incarcerated but qualified to vote, or being a resident of a Veterans Health Administration hospital.

Application due date

Applications for an absentee ballot are due seven days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

New York's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins ten days before Election Day and ends the second day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

There must be at least one early voting location for every 50,000 registered voters in a county, but no more than seven locations are required. Counties with fewer than 50,000 registered voters must have at least one early voting location.

Early voting locations must be open for at least eight hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. each weekday during the early voting period. At least one location must be open until 8:00 p.m. on at least two weekdays during each calendar week of the early voting period. Locations must be open for at least five hours between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on each Saturday, Sunday, and legal holiday during the early voting period. Boards of elections can also establish a greater number of hours beyond what is required.

North Carolina's voter registration processes have low flexibility. Although North Carolina does not have same-day registration for Election Day, voters in North Carolina can register and vote on the same day at any “one-stop absentee voting site” during the early voting period.

Does North Carolina have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	25 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	No

North Carolina's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than three days after Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

The ballot must be signed by the voter and a notary or two witnesses.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

North Carolina's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins the third Wednesday before Election Day and ends at 7:00 p.m. on the last Friday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Within the early voting period, voters can cast their ballots during regular business hours at county board of elections offices. Early voting locations will also be open on the last Saturday before the election. A county board can choose to conduct one-stop absentee voting during evenings or on weekends.

North Dakota does not have voter registration. All U.S. citizens who can prove residency in North Dakota are able to vote.

North Dakota's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked at least one day before Election Day and received no later than five days after Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

North Dakota's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a relatively short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 15 days before Election Day and ends the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting locations, days, and times are chosen at the discretion of the county auditor.

Ohio's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Ohio have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Ohio's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due three days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked at least one day before Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record. Voters must also provide a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. In lieu of providing either of those numbers, voters can enclose a copy of their identification.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are sent notices if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. Voters have until the seventh day after the election to resolve the issue.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Ohio's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Ohio has in-person absentee voting, which begins the day after voter registration closes and ends before the polls close on Election Day (7:30 p.m.).

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast ballots at board of elections offices. Some counties also offer other voter centers. Days and times for early voting are not specified.

Oklahoma's voter registration processes have no flexibility.

Does Oklahoma have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	25 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	No

Oklahoma's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Absentee ballots must be notarized.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballots online, but state law does not specify a remedy process for addressing discarded or rejected ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Oklahoma's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Oklahoma has in-person absentee voting, which begins the Thursday before Election Day and ends at 2:00 p.m. on the Saturday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting locations are designated by the county election board. For counties of more than 25,000 registered voters or with an area of more than 1,500 square miles, more than one location can be available. Voting hours at these locations are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Oregon's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Oregon have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at Driver and Motor Vehicle Services). Individuals are notified (usually by mail) after they have been registered, at which point they can opt out.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	21 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Oregon's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Oregon is a universal vote-by-mail state. Under this approach, all voting occurs through mail-in ballots, and voting in person is limited to special circumstances.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

County clerks will notify voters by mail of any signature absence or discrepancy. For their ballot to count, voters must complete a certified statement and return it with the notice by the 14th day after the election.

Oregon's early voting processes have moderate flexibility. It is a universal vote-by-mail state with some options for in-person early voting.

What is the early voting period?

Drop sites for mail-in ballots must be open starting the Friday before an election, but they can open as soon as ballots are available (18 days before Election Day). Ballots are due on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Ballots can be submitted during normal business hours at election offices or other staffed locations (e.g., libraries, city halls), or via outdoor mailboxes.

Pennsylvania's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Pennsylvania have automatic voter registration?

Although Pennsylvania does not have automatic voter registration, it does allow residents to opt into registration during certain interactions with state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	15 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Pennsylvania's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Voters can also apply to vote by mail (without an excuse) on an annual basis.

Application due date

Applications for mail-in ballots are due by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Voters must provide a signed voter statement on the envelope containing their ballot.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballots online, but there is no state requirement to notify voters and no remedy process is specified for addressing discarded or rejected ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Pennsylvania does not have early voting, so there is no flexibility in this area.

Rhode Island's voter registration processes have high flexibility. The state allows same-day registration but only for presidential elections.

Does Rhode Island have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Division of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Rhode Island's remote voting processes have low flexibility. Voters do not need an excuse to vote by mail, but the state does not have early voting.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due 21 days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record. The ballot must also be notarized or signed by two witnesses.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified by mail, email, or phone if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. Voters must “cure” ballots within seven days of the election.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Rhode Island does not have early voting, so there is no flexibility in this area.

South Carolina's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does South Carolina have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

South Carolina has no flexibility in its remote voting processes.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the county, an illness or disability, a work shift, jury duty, or a family member's death or funeral. Absentee ballots can also be requested by those who are election workers or poll watchers or those who are incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due four days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots must be signed by the voter and by a witness.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected after the polls close. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

South Carolina's early voting processes have no flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

South Carolina has in-person absentee voting for those with qualifying excuses. The start date is not specified, but the early voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Locations, days, and times for early voting are not specified.

South Dakota's voter registration processes have no flexibility.

Does South Dakota have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	15 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	No

South Dakota's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

South Dakota's early voting processes have high flexibility due to a long early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

South Dakota has in-person absentee voting, which begins 46 days before Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots during regular business hours at the offices of individuals who are in charge of the election.

Tennessee's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Tennessee have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Tennessee's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the county, an illness or disability, a work shift, religious beliefs or practices, and jury duty. Absentee ballots can also be requested by those who are election workers or poll watchers.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due seven days before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballot online. “Cured” ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Tennessee's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 20 days before Election Day and ends five days before Election Day. (In a presidential preference primary election, early voting ends seven days before Election Day.)

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at a county election commission office or another polling place designated by the county election commission. Early voting locations must be open a minimum of three consecutive hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays during the early voting period. On at least three days, these locations must be open between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and on at least one Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Voter registration processes in Texas have no flexibility.

Does Texas have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	30 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	No

Remote voting processes in Texas have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the county, an illness or disability, if the voter is a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), or if the voter is incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Applications for an absentee ballot are due four days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than one day after the election.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified of a discarded or rejected ballot either in person or by mail. Voters' “cured” ballots must be received before the original absentee ballot deadline.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Early voting processes in Texas have low flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 17 days before Election Day (except if that day falls on a weekend or a holiday) and ends four days before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early polling places and days and times for early voting are determined by a designated early voting clerk. See Texas Election Code for more details.

Utah's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Utah have automatic voter registration?

Although Utah does not have automatic voter registration, it does allow residents to opt into registration during certain interactions with state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	Seven days before Election Day
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Utah's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Utah is a universal vote-by-mail state. Under this approach, all voting occurs through mail-in or drop-off ballots, and voting in person is limited to special circumstances.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be clearly postmarked by the day before Election Day (or otherwise clearly marked as received by the post office before Election Day). Ballots must be received by the office of the election officer before noon on the day of the official canvass for the election or in an election drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

If a ballot is rejected before Election Day, officials will notify the voter in one to two business days. If a ballot is rejected on Election Day or between Election Day and the end of the official canvass (the process by which ballots are counted and votes are tabulated), the voter will be notified within seven days.

To “cure” a rejected ballot, voters must sign a new affidavit statement provided by the clerk's office and return it by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the official canvass (which takes place seven to 14 days after Election Day).

Utah's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

In-person early voting begins 14 days before Election Day and ends the Friday before Election Day if the election date is a Tuesday. An election officer can choose to extend the end of this voting period to the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place in government offices selected by an election officer. Locations must be open least four days each week and on the last day of the early voting period. The election officer can also choose to conduct early voting on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

Vermont's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Vermont have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Vermont's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Applications are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Voters must provide a signed voter statement on the envelope containing the ballot.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

Vermont's early voting processes have high flexibility due to a long early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 45 days before Election Day and extends through Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of town clerks, who can also make “mobile polling stations” available. Days and times are not specified.

Virginia's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Virginia have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	22 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

Virginia's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required. Virginia voters can also choose to vote by mail permanently, which means that they will receive ballots in the mail every election after they select this option.

Application due date

Applications are due the day before the election.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots are due by the close of polls on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

The ballot must be signed by the voter and by a witness.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

If a ballot is rejected, the voter is provided written notice within 90 days. The voter can then cast a ballot in person on Election Day.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Virginia's early voting processes have high flexibility due to a long early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 45 days before Election Day and ends at 5:00 p.m. the Saturday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots during regular business hours at offices of the general registrar. These locations must be open a minimum of eight hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the two Saturdays before the election. Additional early voting locations in public buildings can also be established.

Washington's voter registration processes have high flexibility.

Does Washington have automatic voter registration?

Yes. Eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when making a transaction with a state agency (e.g., getting a driver's license at the Department of Licensing). Individuals can opt out of registering if they choose.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Washington's remote voting processes have high flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Washington is a universal vote-by-mail state. Under this approach, all voting occurs through mail-in ballots, and voting in person is limited to special circumstances.

Ballot due date

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than five days after Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are notified by mail if a ballot is rejected due to a missing or mismatching signature. Voters must “cure” their ballots by signing and returning a statement before election certification (21 days after Election Day). Three days before certification, county auditors must attempt to phone any voters with outstanding ballots to be cured.

Washington's early voting processes have moderate flexibility. It is a universal vote-by-mail state with some options for in-person early voting.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 18 days before Election Day and ends at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place during normal business hours at public buildings or buildings that are leased by a public entity, including libraries.

West Virginia's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does West Virginia have automatic voter registration?

Automatic voter registration has been approved but will not be implemented until 2021.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	21 days before Election Day
Same-day registration	No
Online registration	Yes

West Virginia's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot with an acceptable excuse. Acceptable excuses include being out of the county, an illness or disability, a work shift, if the voter is a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), and if the voter is incarcerated but qualified to vote.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due six days before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots must be received no later than one day after Election Day, or they must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by the hour at which the board of canvassers begins counting ballots. For eligible voters, including people with disabilities, electronic ballots must be submitted by the time polls close on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots are verified by a signature match: Signed ballots are checked against the voter's signature on record.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters can check the status of their ballots online, but state law does not require notification or specify a remedy process for addressing discarded or rejected ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	Yes

West Virginia's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Early voting begins 13 days before Election Day and ends three days before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place at a courthouse, the annex next to a courthouse, or at additional locations designated by the county commission. These polling places must be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays during the early voting period.

Wisconsin's voter registration processes have moderate flexibility.

Does Wisconsin have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	Yes

Wisconsin's remote voting processes have low flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Applications submitted by mail are due five days before Election Day. Applications submitted in person are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

Ballots must be signed by the voter and by a witness.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Municipal clerks return any deficient absentee ballot envelopes to the voter with a new envelope. The voter then has until the polls close on Election Day to return the envelope with a corrected signature.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	Yes
Statewide application form	Yes
Application return restrictions	No

Wisconsin's early voting processes have low flexibility due to a short early voting period.

What is the early voting period?

Wisconsin has in-person absentee voting, which begins 14 days before Election Day and ends the Sunday before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Voters can cast their ballots at the offices of municipal clerks. The governing body of a municipality can also designate other sites as early voting locations. Voting days and times will be determined by the municipality.

Wyoming's voter registration processes have low flexibility.

Does Wyoming have automatic voter registration?

No.

More details on voter registration
Aspect	Status
Deadline to register to vote in the general election	0 days
Same-day registration	Yes
Online registration	No

Wyoming's remote voting processes have moderate flexibility.

Who is eligible to vote by mail?

Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot to vote remotely. No excuse is required.

Application due date

Absentee ballot applications are due the day before Election Day.

Ballot due date

Completed absentee ballots are due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

How are ballots verified?

A signed voter statement is required.

What is the remedy process for rejected ballots?

Voters are not notified if their ballots have been discarded or rejected. No process is specified for remedying such ballots.

More details on remote voting
Aspect	Status
Online application	No
Statewide application form	No
Application return restrictions	No

Wyoming's early voting processes have moderate flexibility.

What is the early voting period?

Wyoming has in-person absentee voting, which begins 40 days before Election Day and ends the day before Election Day.

When and where does early voting take place?

Early voting takes place at a courthouse or other public building that can accommodate voters from all districts and precincts. These locations will be open the same hours as the courthouse on normal business days. The county clerk can also establish satellite polling places in one or more public buildings within the county.