< Back to Week 5 – National Voter Education Week! | Forward to Week 3 – Know What’s On Your Ballot! >
Voting By Mail
4 Weeks from Election Day
During the pandemic, voting by mail played a critical role in keeping people healthy while still giving them access to the voting process. Many voters find voting by mail confusing if it is their first time or if rules have changed in your state recently. That’s why we’re dedicating one whole week to ensure your organization has all it needs to provide potential voters in your community with the tools to apply for and cast a ballot by mail.
While you share options for voting, remember to keep information in plain language and that mail-in ballots are not accessible for everyone. Customize your message for your state wherever possible. The key considerations are:
- Who is eligible to vote by mail / Is an excuse required?
- How and when do voters request a mail ballot?
- After voting the ballot, how and where does a voter turn it in?
You can find state-specific information by visiting Vote.org’s absentee ballot rules.
We not only encourage you to read and copy the information from the templates, we are asking you to do it! You can give us credit by tagging us in social media posts on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Templates
Email or Letter
Dear [Name of Recipient],
Whether this will be your first time voting or you’re a long-time voter, it always helps to make a plan. That’s why we want to share everything you need to know about voting by mail so you can decide and take the next steps on your voting journey.
Voting by mail may be right for you if…
- You are more comfortable reviewing and researching your ballot from home
- You will be busy or not at your home address on Election Day
- You have an address where you are able to receive mail
Requesting a mail-in ballot…
Some states have all vote-by-mail elections while others require that you request a ballot. Look up and request your ballot at canivote.org.
Returning your ballot…
There are several options for returning your ballot once you have filled it out. Whatever option you choose, you can learn how to track your ballot or where to drop it off at canivote.org.
You can vote early or on Election Day if voting by mail isn’t your first choice. The important thing is making your voice heard as a citizen.
Sincerely
[Organization Signature]
Text
Hi, I’m [name] with [name of organization]. Are you planning on voting by mail in the November 8 election? Learn more about your voting options at https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/absentee-early-voting
Video Chat
This is a great year to consider voting by mail! Whether you have in the past or are considering doing it for the first time, you can find everything you need to know here: https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/absentee-early-voting
Additional Resources & Tips
In an effort to get more people to participate in elections, organizations attempt to talk about how simple it is to vote. However, acknowledging the challenges and barriers that people may face can help potential voters feel supported. See Center for Civic Designs, “The Epic Journey for American Voters”.
Sample Social Media
(right-click on each image to save it to your device)
Thinking about voting by mail but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? That’s okay, we can help!
Voting by mail may be right for you if…
- You are more comfortable reviewing and researching your ballot from home
- You will be busy or not at your home address on Election Day
- You have an address where you are able to receive mail
Learn more about your options for voting by mail here: https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/absentee-early-voting
Thinking about voting by mail but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? That’s okay, we can help!
Learn more about your options for voting by mail here: https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/absentee-early-voting
