"Tricky" Absentee Rules

Voting in some states is more straightforward than in others. Each election, hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots are not counted due to missed deadlines, missing signatures and ID numbers, and other preventable errors. Here are states with "tricky" rules and requirements to be aware of.

Notary & Absentee Requirements🔏

These states require Notary Publics and/or Witnesses to sign designated locations on the ballot envelope before it’s returned. An * indicates the states with the most burdensome requirements, due to a Notary signature being required for most voters.

• Alaska - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a “person qualified to administer oaths” but can use anyone over 18 as a Witness if this is not readily available.

• Alabama - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by either a Notary OR by two Witnesses (anyone over 18).

• Louisiana - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Witness (anyone over 18).

• Minnesota* - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Notary or Witness, but the Witness must be a registered MN voter, which can be difficult for out-of-state voters.

• Missouri* - Voters must have ballot envelope notarized, unless voting absentee due to permanent disability, illness, or confinement.

• Mississippi* - Voters must have ballot envelope notarized, unless temporarily or permanently disabled, in which case they can instead use a Witness (anyone over 18).

• North Carolina - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by either a Notary OR by two Witnesses (anyone over 18, not a candidate on ballot).

• Oklahoma* - Voters must have ballot envelope notarized, unless using a "physically incapacitated" ballot, in which case they can instead use two Witnesses.

• South Carolina - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Witness (anyone over 18).

• Wisconsin - Voters must have ballot envelope signed by a Witness (any US adult citizen, not a candidate on ballot).
  

Identification Requirements 🪪

These states require voters to include a copy of acceptable ID when returning the ballot and/or show ID when returning the ballot in-person. Note: we include states where a copy of ID must be shown or included, not where an ID number must be listed on the ballot envelope.

• Arkansas - Voters must include a photocopy of Photo ID with their ballot. ID must be issued by the US, Arkansas, or an accredited in-state postsecondary institution.

• North Carolina - Voters must include a photocopy of ID or an “exception form" with their ballot. ID must be issued by the US, North Carolina, or an approved NC school.

• Oklahoma - Voters returning ballots in-person must show Photo ID like a Driver's License or Passport. Student ID doesn't count.

• Texas - Voters returning ballots in-person must show Photo ID, like a Driver's License or Passport, and sign a form. Student ID doesn't count.

• South Carolina - Voters returning ballots in-person must show Photo ID like Driver's License or US Passport. Student ID doesn't count.

• West Virginia - First-time voters must include copy of ID with current name and address like a Driver's License, utility bill, or paycheck. 
  

Return Deadlines Before Election Day 📅

These states require voters to return their absentee ballots by mail and/or by hand before Election Day itself. If the voter waits until Election Day to return their ballot, it will not be counted.

• Alabama - Ballots returned in-person are due by 5 PM on the day before Election Day at the election official's office. Voters can't return their ballot on Election Day.

• Arkansas -Ballots returned in-person are due by the Friday before Election Day at the election official's office. Voters can't return their ballot on Election Day.

• Kansas - While voters have until Election Day to "postmark" their ballot, this is cutting it close as it must arrive within three more days to be counted. It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

• Louisiana - Whether mailed back or returned in-person, ballots are due at 4:30 PM on the day before Election Day. Voters can't return their ballot on Election Day. It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

• Mississippi - Mailed absentee ballots can only be returned by mail. There is no in-person drop-off option.  It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

• North Dakota - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot. Mailed ballots must be "postmarked" by the day before Election Day, while those returned by hand must be received by the election official by 5 PM the day before Election Day.

• New Hampshire - Ballots returned in-person are due by 5 PM on the day before Election Day at the election official's office. On Election Day, the election office will only accept hand-delivered ballots from a delivery agent, like a spouse or near relative.

• Ohio - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot by mail. Mailed ballots must be "postmarked" by the day before Election Day, Voters can still return their ballot in-person until the time that polls close on Election Day.

• Oklahoma - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot in-person. Election officials must receive hand-returned ballots in their office by close of business hours on the day before Election Day.

• Tennessee - Mailed absentee ballots can only be returned by mail. There is no in-person drop-off option.  It's recommended that voters mail their ballots at least a week ahead of the deadline.

• Utah - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot by mail. Mailed ballots must be "postmarked" by the day before Election Day, Voters can still return their ballot in-person until the time that polls close on Election Day.

• West Virginia - Voters don't have until Election Day to return their ballot in-person. Election officials must receive hand-returned ballots in their office by close of business hours on the day before Election Day.