Blog

What You Need to Know About Absentee Ballot Notary and Witness Signature Requirements
Each state has different rules regarding absentee voting. Some states impose additional requirements, like witness and/or notary signatures. We've got answers for you here.

Absentee voting, either by mail or by placing a ballot in a drop box, is more popular than ever. In 2020, 65 million voters successfully cast absentee ballots – that’s more than the number of in-person voters! Absentee voting makes life easier. And it’s a secure way to vote.

Most Americans, we’re happy to report, like voting absentee: according to the Pew Research Center, 65% of voters favor access to no-excuse absentee voting, meaning you could cast a ballot from home even if nothing was physically preventing you from getting to the polling place.

At U.S. Vote Foundation we learned through our 2020 post-election survey, that the vast majority of voters – domestic (95%), overseas (85%), and military (90%) – were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their absentee voting experience.
- Read more about What You Need to Know About Absentee Ballot Notary and Witness Signature Requirements
2022 Primaries: Find Out if Ballot Drop Boxes are Available in Your State

Ballot Drop Boxes are Safe and Easy to Use. Here’s How to Find Out If Voting by Drop Box is Available in Your State.

The widespread ability to vote absentee using a ballot drop box is one of the innovative voting options that Americans were presented with in 2020. As a response to the need to maintain social distancing and avoid turning a long line at the polling station into a “super spreader” event, drop boxes were a huge success. They also proved very popular with busy voters who preferred in-person options for dropping off their ballots.

In states that vote primarily by mail, ballot drop boxes have been around for years: What was innovative was the degree to which they were used, particularly as part of a plan to limit in-person voting by sending out large numbers of vote-at-home and absentee ballots to registered voters.

The good news is that that the success of the ballot drop box in the 2020 general election will carry over into the currently ongoing 2022 primary elections and the midterm election in November.
- Read more about 2022 Primaries: Find Out if Ballot Drop Boxes are Available in Your State
Midterm Elections 2022: Ballot Return Options Chart
How to return your absentee ballot without putting it into the mail?

U.S. Vote Foundation has answers for you on our Ballot Return Options chart. Newly updated for the 2022 Midterm Election Year.

American voters enjoy options. This goes for how to vote - it could be voting in-person or early voting or absentee voting / vote-by-mail. As for absentee / mail voting, the post office is a an excellent option for you if you are mailing your ballot back with plenty of time for the post to deliver it to your election office.

But if you are late to return your ballot, or if you are the type of person that likes to know for sure that the ballot arrived in time, then you will be interested in the options available in your state for returning your ballot.

And the good news is that most states have options. U.S. Vote Foundation brings them to you through our Ballot Return Options chart.
- Read more about Midterm Elections 2022: Ballot Return Options Chart
Voting Terminology Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know to Vote in the Midterm Elections

Voting terminology and rules can be confusing, so we’ve broken them down for you with our 411 on election information – everything from registration to the ballot box.

It’s voting season! And for both the primary elections now rolling out and the midterm general election in November, you’ve likely got multiple options on how to cast your ballot, wherever you live. Some states, like Colorado, offer every option under the sun on how to cast a ballot: in-person on Election Day, early voting and registration at vote centers, and vote by mail ballots sent to all registered voters. It’s a voter’s dream come true! Other states are more limited in their offerings. That’s why it’s essential to find out what your state offers.

Options – and confusion about what each state requires – can be somewhat daunting, especially if voting is a new experience for you. How can you vote? Where? And when’s the deadline? It’s a lot to get a handle on, but we at US Vote can help.
- Read more about Voting Terminology Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know to Vote in the Midterm Elections
How to Vote In-Person: Voting Early or on Election Day 2022 Midterm Primary and General Election
Primary election season is underway! And the November Midterm General Election will be here before you know it. Many voted using a vote-by-mail ballot last election, due to the pandemic, but in-person voting remains an important option for upcoming elections in 2022. Many states expanded in-person voting options for this year and beyond.

Whether you vote in-person during your state’s early voting period or on Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. It’s important to get informed about your rights and responsibilities well before the big day. Voters in most states have the option of voting by absentee or mail-in ballot too.

What are your options for in-person voting?

Election Day

No matter where you live, you can vote in-person on Election Day during both the primary and midterm elections.

Find your state’s primary election schedule

This year’s midterm general election will be held on November 8, 2022. Learn more about your state’s election rules for voting on that day.
- Read more about How to Vote In-Person: Voting Early or on Election Day 2022 Midterm Primary and General Election
Thank You, Election Heroes!

Our message of thanks to Election Heroes across the nation

Today, U.S. Vote Foundation and Overseas Vote would like to recognize each and every one of the Election Officials across the country.

Thank you for your devotion, commitment, and engagement in your critically important jobs. We recognize and appreciate your essential role in the administration of elections in our country.

Over the years, your participation in our Election Official Directory program, to keep your jurisdiction's contact information up-to-date, has allowed U.S. Vote Foundation and a broad network of voter outreach organizations to connect millions of voters to you - the stewards of their democracy.

For us, and for voters everywhere, YOU are the Heroes of Democracy! Keep up your great work, we need you now more than ever.
- Read more about Thank You, Election Heroes!
Get Your Absentee Ballot: The Easy Way to Vote in the Midterm Primaries

Register to vote and request your absentee ballot now to vote from home in both the 2022 midterm primaries and general elections.

Primary election season has begun, and many states are about to hold elections! That means, it’s time to act now to make sure your vote counts in the upcoming primary (or caucus). Remember, primaries are your chance to help narrow down the field of candidates to those you’d like to see on the ballot for the midterm general election. And this year, you have options on how to cast that ballot.

We know it can be challenging to vote - maybe you work or travel or you're in school, or can't leave your home? But these challenges can be overcome. There are very often options to accomodate all of these challenging situations. Did you know that the majority of states allow all voters to vote by absentee ballot?

Make sure you are registered to vote at your current address first. And then check your state’s election rules and election deadlines.
- Read more about Get Your Absentee Ballot: The Easy Way to Vote in the Midterm Primaries
North Carolina Voters: Here's How to Vote in Your Upcoming Primary Election

North Carolina’s primary elections are right around the corner - on Tuesday, May 17th!

Primaries are vitally important. This year in the primary election you will choose the political candidates that will run for Congress in the November 2022 congressional midterm election.

Let's aim to blow past the North Carolina average midterm primary turnout rate (just over 15% since 2002). This is the year to change that! Join the many registered voters in the US who are determined to turn the tide and turnout to vote in the midterm elections this year!

Here are three easy ways to have your vote counted:

Vote using a North Carolina absentee ballot

If you cannot vote in person, you can request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots will be available starting March 28, 2022. Request yours today!
- Read more about North Carolina Voters: Here's How to Vote in Your Upcoming Primary Election
Everything You Need to Know to Participate in the 2022 Midterm Primaries

Learn about the 5 types of primaries and which type is implemented in your state

Primary season is upon us, and given the election’s complexity, voters should review the rules before casting ballots. Check your state’s primary election schedule and register to vote today to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to make your voice heard this year!

What are the different ways that primaries are conducted?

There are five types of primaries conducted in the United States: open primaries, primaries open to unaffiliated voters, partially open primaries, closed primaries, and semi-closed primaries. Here we provide details on the several types of primaries:
- Read more about Everything You Need to Know to Participate in the 2022 Midterm Primaries
Happening Now! Congressional Primaries - Check Your Primary Election Schedule

Why Your Vote Matters for Congressional Primaries - Make it Count!

Let's think of spring this year as a fresh start for our democracy. Primary elections have just begun and the pace is about to pick up. Over the next several months, voters in each state will decide which political candidates will be running for Congress in the November 2022 congressional midterm election. [Check the Primary Election Schedule]

As a republic, the states enjoy much power when setting rules of their elections and there are variations. Here are the basics:

What’s a primary election anyway?

Think of primaries as a way to narrow down the field of candidates to those who will ultimately appear on the ballot in the general election.
- Read more about Happening Now! Congressional Primaries - Check Your Primary Election Schedule

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
…
next ›
last »

Each state has different rules regarding absentee voting. Some states impose additional requirements, like witness and/or notary signatures. We've got answers for you here.

Ballot Drop Boxes are Safe and Easy to Use. Here’s How to Find Out If Voting by Drop Box is Available in Your State.

How to return your absentee ballot without putting it into the mail?

U.S. Vote Foundation has answers for you on our Ballot Return Options chart. Newly updated for the 2022 Midterm Election Year.

What are your options for in-person voting?

Election Day

Our message of thanks to Election Heroes across the nation

Register to vote and request your absentee ballot now to vote from home in both the 2022 midterm primaries and general elections.

North Carolina’s primary elections are right around the corner - on Tuesday, May 17th!

Vote using a North Carolina absentee ballot

Learn about the 5 types of primaries and which type is implemented in your state

Why Your Vote Matters for Congressional Primaries - Make it Count!