Rejections happen typically because the signature on the ballot doesn’t match the signature they have on record from your ID (state or driver’s license). Another reason is that states can change the requirements, and sometimes voters are not informed on those changes. So make sure you know the latest requirements for your state to avoid problems, and double check that you’ve followed all steps and your signature matches.
Things to know:
You can track your mail ballot. Most states offer online tracking so you can confirm they have it.
You could vote by mail and in person. Check the rules for your state, but in many places they can track your voting and will simply override your mail ballot if you also show up to vote in person. This is done so you can request your mail ballot, and retain the option to go vote in person if you feel like it. Check with your state website if this is an option for you.
Do this stuff early. No reason to delay. Check when your state opens early voting. If you plan to vote in person, going early gives you the best odds at short wait times. If you plan to vote by mail, voting early makes sure there’s plenty of time for your ballot to reach the counting place within all deadlines, and to deal with any clerical issues if any happen to come up, particularly if this is your first time voting.
Plus, when you vote early you get to enjoy civic pride for this cycle longer than everyone else.
PSA About mail ballots, because I know a lot of people are worried about this stuff.
Voting by mail is safe in the US. Here are some data points:
The ACLU recommends voting by mail https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/voting-by-mail-is-easier-and-safer-than-you-think-heres-how
They would not make that recommendation if they thought your vote could be easily suppressed that way.
The rejection rate of mail ballots is only around 1% https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2020:_Analysis_of_rejected_ballots
Rejections happen typically because the signature on the ballot doesn’t match the signature they have on record from your ID (state or driver’s license). Another reason is that states can change the requirements, and sometimes voters are not informed on those changes. So make sure you know the latest requirements for your state to avoid problems, and double check that you’ve followed all steps and your signature matches.
Things to know: You can track your mail ballot. Most states offer online tracking so you can confirm they have it.
You could vote by mail and in person. Check the rules for your state, but in many places they can track your voting and will simply override your mail ballot if you also show up to vote in person. This is done so you can request your mail ballot, and retain the option to go vote in person if you feel like it. Check with your state website if this is an option for you.
Do this stuff early. No reason to delay. Check when your state opens early voting. If you plan to vote in person, going early gives you the best odds at short wait times. If you plan to vote by mail, voting early makes sure there’s plenty of time for your ballot to reach the counting place within all deadlines, and to deal with any clerical issues if any happen to come up, particularly if this is your first time voting.
Plus, when you vote early you get to enjoy civic pride for this cycle longer than everyone else.