While absentee voting in the United States can be traced back to the Civil War Era, the Pandemic created an unprecedented demand for absentee ballots as an alternative to traditional polling locations. Absentee voting or voting by mail is a process that allows voters to cast their ballots before election day either by dropping off or mailing in a completed ballot. Absentee voting has recently found itself at the center of election skepticism and denialism that is becoming an increasingly prominent part of our political climate. This was arguably most prominent during the 2020 election year, as approximately 70% of the 50 million votes cast were absentee. This increased use of absentee voting combined led to new discussions about election security implications, and resulted in a largely mixed record when it comes to absentee voting policies. While some states are attempting to make absentee voting more accessible, others believe absentee voting poses election integrity concerns, and want to restrict access to the process.
Arguments in Favor of Restrictive Absentee Voting Laws
Many laws that restrict absentee voting access aim to improve election security by ensuring only registered voters cast ballots. This is accomplished primarily through requiring stricter voter ID laws. Proponents argue that absentee ballots could provide a loophole for non eligible citizens to vote, as mail-in ballots are subject to less scrutiny than traditional voting. In particular, advocates of these laws often intend stricter policies to prevent non-citizens (including permanent legal residents), as well as those with certain felony convictions from casting an absentee ballot. One argument in favor of more restrictive laws is that these policies will signal greater election security to voters, and this will increase their faith in elections and in turn inspire them to participate in the democratic process. Proponents of ID absentee requirements argue that voters have little incentive to trust in the democratic process if illegitimate votes are cast and their voice is not prioritized. Supporters point to mistrust in elections as proof that these measures are necessary. For example, a 2020 poll found that 38% of Americans reported lacking confidence in election fairness. Proponents argue that if voters know elections are fair this will incentivize their participation.
Another argument typically proposed for more restrictive ID requirements for absentee ballots is that these requirements are routine for government procedures, and therefore should not pose an unnecessary burden on citizens who are eligible to vote. The reasoning is that presenting these identifying documents is commonplace, and the process of voting should not be less secure than procedures such as operating a vehicle. Proponents of these laws claim to prioritize increased voter security. Lastly, many Republican lawmakers argue that Democrats advocate for easier access to absentee voting for partisan gain. They point to the last presidential election as evidence of this, as a Pew Research poll found 58% of Biden voters voted by absentee, compared to only 32% of Trump voters. This partisan disparity is likely due to former President Trump discouraging his voters from mailing in absentee ballots, and public health concerns during the pandemic which followed some political lines. However, there was still a partisan divide in voting format in 2022, as Democrats cast more absentee ballots than Republicans. Critics argue that Democrats are simply trying to ensure more democratic leaning voters are able to vote in order to win elections.
Arguments Against Restrictive Absentee Voting Laws
Conversely, advocates of increased access to absentee voting argue that its convenience will increase turnout, particularly for groups that are least likely to vote like voters under 25 and voters of color. Proponents of this idea point to studies such as a Tufts voting law analysis that found youth voter turnout was highest (57%) and had the largest increase since 2016 in states that automatically mailed ballots to voters. Additionally this study found that the average youth voter turnout for states with the most restrictive absentee voting policies was significantly lower than other states. Similarly, an analysis of Colorado’s all mail in voting policy found that the largest increase in turnout following the institution of the policy was observed in the state’s Asian American and African American populations. Proponents of these laws argue absentee voting is proven to help bring formerly disenfranchised communities to the ballot box. Finally, some worry that more restrictive ID laws will disproportionately impact minority communities. They point to evidence such as a study examining Texas’ institution of more restrictive voter ID laws that show the majority of voters that were barred from turning in a mail in ballot were disproportionately African American and Latinx. Other studies also found that stricter ID laws disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters. Some believe that this disproportionate burden is indicative of racist sentiments, and absentee voting can facilitate more equitable civic engagement.
Additionally, many emphasize the infrastructural and practical problems that in person voting creates on election day, and consider this a reason to expand absentee ballots. The reasoning is that voters will anticipate problems like wait times and this ultimately disincentives voting. Proponents of this idea point to sources such as a Brennan Center for Justice article that found 3 million people waited in voting lines that exceeded 30 minutes in 2018. Additionally, a 2022 poll found that 61% of Americans said they did not vote because they would have to vote in person. Common grievances with in person voting included issues such as few voting hours outside of the workday, long wait times, and inability to get to a polling place. Proponents of expanded access to absentee voting point out that increased use of mail in ballots would alleviate many of these infrastructural issues.
Lastly, those who support increased access to absentee voting point out that there is no evidence of widespread election fraud, and therefore more restrictive measures such as requiring ID for absentee ballots simply make voting more difficult and disincentivize voters from participating. Numerous studies, including one from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed the claims of election denialism candidates and found that none of these claims had factual basis.
As a developed nation with some of the worst rates of voter participation , American lawmakers and activists face the difficult challenge of engaging an increasingly diversifying public.While some believe increased absentee voting is the solution to increasing civic engagement, others find it to be a dangerous and counterproductive strategy.
