Mail voting by state
In 37 states and D.C., any voter can vote by mail; in 8 of them and D.C., the ballot arrives automatically. In 13 states you need an accepted reason.
- All-mail elections (8)
- No-excuse mail voting (29)
- Excuse required (13)
All-mail elections (8)
Every registered voter is mailed a ballot; in-person voting is still available.
California · Colorado · Hawaii · Nevada · Oregon · Utah · Vermont · Washington
No-excuse mail voting (29)
Any voter can request a mail ballot.
Alaska · Arizona · Connecticut · Florida · Georgia · Idaho · Illinois · Iowa · Kansas · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Montana · Nebraska · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Dakota · Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Excuse required (13)
Only with an accepted reason, such as being away, illness or age.
Alabama · Arkansas · Delaware · Indiana · Kentucky · Louisiana · Mississippi · Missouri · New Hampshire · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · West Virginia
Questions and answers
Which states hold all-mail elections?
California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, plus the District of Columbia.
Which states require an excuse to vote by mail?
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia. Some exempt voters over a certain age.
When does my ballot have to arrive?
It depends on the state: many require it by the time polls close on Election Day; others count ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive a few days later.
How to vote in every state · Absentee and mail ballots in the glossary
Source: Movement Advancement Project, "Absentee requirements" (May 2026), from state law. Always confirm with your state election office.