Changes

Early voting by conservatives frees a conservative candidate's campaign from spending scarce resources to turn out these votes, and avoids the injustice of a polling precinct running out of paper ballots.  Voting early also avoids obstacles such as natural disasters, medical or transportation problems, and an unexpected need to travel out of town.

Early voting by conservatives frees a conservative candidate's campaign from spending scarce resources to turn out these votes, and avoids the injustice of a polling precinct running out of paper ballots.  Voting early also avoids obstacles such as natural disasters, medical or transportation problems, and an unexpected need to travel out of town.

'''''Early voting is a liberal gimmick that has the effect of partially disenfranchising the value of informed votes on Election Day'''''.  In 2013, states began working towards a restoration of [[Election Day]] voting by cutting back on the expansive early voting.  For example, Nebraska trimmed its period of early voting back a bit.<ref>https://www.propublica.org/article/voting-rights-by-state-map</ref>

'''''Early voting is a liberal gimmick that has the effect of partially disenfranchising the value of informed votes on Election Day'''''.  In 2013, states began working toward a restoration of [[Election Day]] voting by cutting back on the expansive early voting.  For example, Nebraska trimmed its period of early voting back a bit.<ref>https://www.propublica.org/article/voting-rights-by-state-map</ref>

{{cquote|I would prefer more educated voters than a greater increase in the number of voters. If you don't believe this is an effort to maximize Democratic votes pure and simple, then you are not a realist. This is a partisan stunt and I hope it can be stopped.}}

{{cquote|I would prefer more educated voters than a greater increase in the number of voters. If you don't believe this is an effort to maximize Democratic votes pure and simple, then you are not a realist. This is a partisan stunt and I hope it can be stopped.}}

So observed Georgia legislator Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), explaining his opposition to having early voting on Sunday at a mall "dominated by African American shoppers."<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/millar.ga/posts/718236501557052?comment_id=718266534887382&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D]</ref>

So observed Georgia legislator Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), explaining his opposition to having early voting on Sunday at a mall "dominated by African American shoppers."<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/millar.ga/posts/718236501557052?comment_id=718266534887382&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D]</ref>.

Mail-in voting, which is the biggest type of early voting, is universal in eight states (see below). Two additional states allow mail-in voting at the option of each county: Nebraska and North Dakota.  Ten states authorize specific mail-in voting for certain minor elections:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Mail-in voting, which is the biggest type of early voting, is universal in eight states (see below). Two additional states allow mail-in voting at the option of each county: Nebraska and North Dakota.  Ten states authorize specific mail-in voting for certain minor elections:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Texas has been shifting from red (Republican) to blue (Democratic), and the [[liberal media]] attributes that to demographics.  But the bigger cause is the vast two weeks of early voting allowed in Texas, and how the Democratic political machine exploits that with greater efficiency each election cycle.

Texas has been shifting from red (Republican) to blue (Democratic), and the [[liberal media]] attributes that to demographics.  But the bigger cause is the vast two weeks of early voting allowed in Texas, and how the Democratic political machine exploits that with greater efficiency each election cycle.

Traditionally, absentee voters had to state one of several allowed reasons to vote before election day, while early voting permits all eligible voters to cast ballots that are not fully informed, prior to Election Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earlyvoting.net/research/journal-article/convenience-voting-gronke-galanes-rosenbaum-miller-toffey-2008/|title=Convenience Voting|author=Gronke, Galanes-Rosenbaum, Miller, Toffey|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref> which are used by more that 30% of United States voters.

Traditionally, absentee voters had to state one of several allowed reasons to vote before Election Day, while early voting permits all eligible voters to cast ballots that are not fully informed, prior to Election Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earlyvoting.net/research/journal-article/convenience-voting-gronke-galanes-rosenbaum-miller-toffey-2008/|title=Convenience Voting|author=Gronke, Galanes-Rosenbaum, Miller, Toffey|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref> which are used by more than 30% of United States voters.

Early voting has spread as Democrats realize that the uninformed votes give them a comparative advantage.  As pushed by [[Democrat]]s, many states in the United States have laws adopting forms of early voting. According to the Early Voting Center at Reed College, the following states allow early voting in 2012: North Carolina, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Georgia, Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Louisiana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada and Hawaii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reed.edu/earlyvoting/calendar/|title=Early voting calendar, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>  Liberal-leaning foreign nations have also adopted some form of early voting, such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand.   

Early voting has spread as Democrats realize that the uninformed votes give them a comparative advantage.  As pushed by [[Democrat]]s, many states in the United States have laws adopting forms of early voting. According to the Early Voting Center at Reed College, the following states allow early voting in 2012: North Carolina, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Georgia, Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Louisiana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada and Hawaii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reed.edu/earlyvoting/calendar/|title=Early voting calendar, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>  Liberal-leaning foreign nations have also adopted some form of early voting, such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand.   

In 2008, one-third of Americans voted prior to Election Day, and that fraction increased to 40% or so in 2012.  In the [[Mystery:Nevada Election 2010|Nevada Election 2010]], more than half the votes cast were by early voting.  Some states make the list of early voters and absentee voters available to the public or to the political campaigns.  By contrast, all states make the list of voters available after an election.   

In 2008, one-third of Americans voted prior to Election Day, and that fraction increased to 40% or so in 2012.  In the [[Mystery:Nevada Election 2010|Nevada Election 2010]], more than half the votes cast were cast by early voting.  Some states make the list of early voters and absentee voters available to the public or to the political campaigns.  By contrast, all states make the list of voters available after an election.   

The [[Democrat Party]] pushes hard for early voting.  A January 2014 report by the President [[Obama]]'s Commission on Election Administration stated, "In order to limit congestion on Election Day and to respond to the demand for greater opportunities to vote beyond the traditional Election Day polling place, states that have not already done so should expand alternative ways of voting, such as mail balloting and in-person early voting."<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 3</ref>  The report further described a "bipartisan consensus of election administrators in favor of voting before Election Day".<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 57</ref>

The [[Democrat Party]] pushes hard for early voting.  A January 2014 report by the President [[Obama]]'s Commission on Election Administration stated, "In order to limit congestion on Election Day and to respond to the demand for greater opportunities to vote beyond the traditional Election Day polling place, states that have not already done so should expand alternative ways of voting, such as mail balloting and in-person early voting."<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 3</ref>  The report further described a "bipartisan consensus of election administrators in favor of voting before Election Day".<ref>[http://electionlawblog.org/wp-content/uploads/pcea-final-report.pdf The American Voting Experience: Report and Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration], p. 57</ref>

The convenience voting data for 2010 in the [[swing state]]s for the [[Presidential Election 2012]] is as follows, with bolding for the States which do not allow no-excuse early voting.

The convenience voting data for 2010 in the [[swing state]]s for the [[Presidential Election 2012]] are as follows, with bolding for the states which do not allow no-excuse early voting.

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|25% (increased to nearly 40% in 2012)

|25% (increased to nearly 40% in 2012)

|-

|-

|'''Virginia

|'''Virginia'''

|'''13'''

|'''13'''

|'''7%'''

|'''7%'''

There are two major objections to early voting.  First, it facilitates voter intimidation, particularly by unions and large employers that try to increase turnout by their people.<ref>"Executives at the [[casino]] giant Harrah's pushed company employees to vote early in an all-out effort to help the [[Harry Reid]] campaign, according to internal emails obtained by Battle ‘10." [http://nation.foxnews.com/harry-reid/2010/11/02/hot-air-did-harrahs-casino-pressure-employees-vote-reid#ixzz2AYEDHlaD]</ref>  Scholars have noted that early voting, vote-by-mail and similar schemes eliminate the secret ballot—which is essential to preserving electoral integrity.  Second, it increases the potential for [[voter fraud]], particularly in the absence of protections that safeguard the integrity of physical votes.<ref>See, e.g., "Early Voting Fraud," ''National Review'' [https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/251345/early-voting-fraud-deroy-murdock].</ref>  Some critics claim early voting establishes a mechanism where union bosses and the Democratic machine can harass Americans until they vote.  This risks infringement on the right '''''not''''' to vote.

There are two major objections to early voting.  First, it facilitates voter intimidation, particularly by unions and large employers that try to increase turnout by their people.<ref>"Executives at the [[casino]] giant Harrah's pushed company employees to vote early in an all-out effort to help the [[Harry Reid]] campaign, according to internal emails obtained by Battle ‘10." [http://nation.foxnews.com/harry-reid/2010/11/02/hot-air-did-harrahs-casino-pressure-employees-vote-reid#ixzz2AYEDHlaD]</ref>  Scholars have noted that early voting, vote-by-mail and similar schemes eliminate the secret ballot—which is essential to preserving electoral integrity.  Second, it increases the potential for [[voter fraud]], particularly in the absence of protections that safeguard the integrity of physical votes.<ref>See, e.g., "Early Voting Fraud," ''National Review'' [https://www.nationalreview.com/articles/251345/early-voting-fraud-deroy-murdock].</ref>  Some critics claim early voting establishes a mechanism where union bosses and the Democratic machine can harass Americans until they vote.  This risks infringement on the right '''''not''''' to vote.

While early voting plainly undermines the notion of a uniform [[Election Day]], various arguments are used, typically by Democrats, to advocate its adoption by state legislatures.  One argument is that early voting increases overall turnout.  Another argument used in [[Ohio]] is that Ohio voters should not have to wait in line until 4:00 am the following morning to cast a ballot in a presidential election, as happened in 2004.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-11-17-early-voting_x.htm</ref>  Of course, extra poll workers, voting machines, and booths could be added for Election Day to address this concern.  Some, including Ohio's Cuyahoga County, argue that early voting can save money in this regard, as the same machines and equipment that would otherwise be idle can be used, avoiding the need to purchase new and expensive election equipment.  But Political Science Professor Todd Eberly argues that early voting adds millions of dollars in expense while '''''lowering''''' overall voter turnout:<ref>http://marylandreporter.com/2012/09/10/early-voting-costs-counties-2-6m-but-hasnt-increased-turnout-yet/</ref>

While early voting plainly undermines the notion of a uniform [[Election Day]], various arguments are used, typically by Democrats, to advocate its adoption by state legislatures.  One argument is that early voting increases overall turnout.  Another argument used in [[Ohio]] is that Ohio voters should not have to wait in line until 4:00 a.m. the following morning to cast a ballot in a presidential election, as happened in 2004.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-11-17-early-voting_x.htm</ref>  Of course, extra poll workers, voting machines, and booths could be added for Election Day to address this concern.  Some, including Ohio's Cuyahoga County, argue that early voting can save money in this regard, as the same machines and equipment that would otherwise be idle can be used, avoiding the need to purchase new and expensive election equipment.  But Political Science Professor Todd Eberly argues that early voting adds millions of dollars in expense while '''''lowering''''' overall voter turnout:<ref>http://marylandreporter.com/2012/09/10/early-voting-costs-counties-2-6m-but-hasnt-increased-turnout-yet/</ref>

{{cquote|Early voting is actually a waste of taxpayer money that does not boost turnout.  In a study of the 2008 election, researchers at the University of Wisconsin actually found that early voting results in lower turnout – not higher. Specifically they found that though more than 30 percent of votes cast in the 2008 presidential race arrived before Election Day, the study determined early voting actually depressed turnout in a typical county by 3 percentage points.}}

{{cquote|Early voting is actually a waste of taxpayer money that does not boost turnout.  In a study of the 2008 election, researchers at the University of Wisconsin actually found that early voting results in lower turnout – not higher. Specifically they found that though more than 30 percent of votes cast in the 2008 presidential race arrived before Election Day, the study determined early voting actually depressed turnout in a typical county by 3 percentage points.}}

In a 1996 study of early voting turnout in Tennessee elections in 1994, Lilliard E. Richardson, Jr. and Grant W. Neely said that early voting could increase overall turnout.<ref>L.E. Richardson, Jr. and G.E. Neely.  "The impact of early voting on turnout: The 1994 elections in Tennessee." ''State & Local Government Review'' '''28'''(3):173-79 (1996)</ref>

In a 1996 study of early voting turnout in Tennessee elections in 1994, Lilliard E. Richardson, Jr. and Grant W. Neely said that early voting could increase overall turnout.<ref>L.E. Richardson, Jr. and G.E. Neely.  "The impact of early voting on turnout: The 1994 elections in Tennessee." ''State & Local Government Review'' '''28'''(3):173-79 (1996)</ref>

In a 2007 paper, Paul Gronke, Eva Galanes-Rosenbuam, and Peter A. Miller (all affiliated with Reed College) found that early voting improves the procedural integrity of elections and results in a modest increase in overall turnout.  The authors nevertheless conclude "It is no longer a question of whether early voting is a smart reform; the question now is what sort of early voting to allow and how to adjust to its impact."<ref>P. Gronke, E. Galanes-Rosenbaum, and P.A. Miller. "Early voting and turnout." PS-WASHINGTON '''40'''(4):639 (2007).</ref>

In a 2007 paper, Paul Gronke, Eva Galanes-Rosenbaum, and Peter A. Miller (all affiliated with Reed College) found that early voting improves the procedural integrity of elections and results in a modest increase in overall turnout.  The authors nevertheless conclude "It is no longer a question of whether early voting is a smart reform; the question now is what sort of early voting to allow and how to adjust to its impact."<ref>P. Gronke, E. Galanes-Rosenbaum, and P.A. Miller. "Early voting and turnout." PS-WASHINGTON '''40'''(4):639 (2007).</ref>

A state-by-state analysis is available showing the percentage of ballots cast in early voting,<ref>http://elections.gmu.edu/early_vote_2008.html</ref> but note that the percentage is growing rapidly with each election.

A state-by-state analysis is available showing the percentage of ballots cast in early voting,<ref>http://elections.gmu.edu/early_vote_2008.html</ref> but note that the percentage is growing rapidly with each election.

In Georgia, race and age are oddly reported among early voters, and more manipulation and coercion can result.

In Georgia, race and age are oddly reported among early voters, and more manipulation and coercion can result.

==Maryland==

== Maryland ==

[[Maryland]] voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2008 to allow early voting starting with the primary elections in 2010.  Maryland now offers both early voting in person and absentee voting by mail.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.state.md.us/voting/early_voting.html |title=Early Voting |publisher=Elections.state.md.us |date= |accessdate=November 14, 2012}}</ref>

[[Maryland]] voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2008 to allow early voting starting with the primary elections in 2010.  Maryland now offers both early voting in person and absentee voting by mail.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.state.md.us/voting/early_voting.html |title=Early Voting |publisher=Elections.state.md.us |date= |accessdate=November 14, 2012}}</ref>

== Virginia==

== Virginia==

Virginia does not have formal early voting.  However, Virginia provides for both mail-in and in-person absentee voting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/inperson-absentee-voting-starts-today-va|title=In-person absentee voting scheduled today in Va.|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=October 27, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref> To vote absentee, the voter must fill out an affidavit stating that one of several reasons for absentee voting applies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/AbsenteeVoting.html|title=Absentee Voting|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In contrast, in early voting states, any voter can vote before election day without stating a reason.

Virginia does not have formal early voting.  However, Virginia provides for both mail-in and in-person absentee voting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/inperson-absentee-voting-starts-today-va|title=In-person absentee voting scheduled today in Va.|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=October 27, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref> To vote absentee, the voter must fill out an affidavit stating that one of several reasons for absentee voting applies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/AbsenteeVoting.html|title=Absentee Voting|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In contrast, in early voting states, any voter can vote before Election Day without stating a reason.

The absentee voting period begins 45 days before election day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/09/early-voting-period-virginia-has-begun|title=Early voting period in Virginia has begun|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=September 30, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In response to [[Hurricane Sandy]] reducing in-person absentee voting opportunities before the 2012 election, on October 28, 2012, Republican Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] announced that he was requesting the State Board of Elections to expand the number of in-person absentee voting hours between the end of the storm and the election day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/breaking/dp-mcdonnell-urges-caution-and-preparation-will-expand-hours-for-absentee-voting-20121028,0,982955.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hrdailypress%2Fnews+%28Daily+Press+-+Front+Page+News%29|title=McDonnell urges caution and preparation; will expand hours for absentee voting|first=Todd |last=Wilson|work=Hampton Roads Daily Press|date=October 28, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>

The absentee voting period begins 45 days before Election Day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/09/early-voting-period-virginia-has-begun|title=Early voting period in Virginia has begun|first=Julian|last=Walker|work=The Virginian-Pilot|date=September 30, 2012|accessdate=October 27, 2012}}</ref>  In response to [[Hurricane Sandy]] reducing in-person absentee voting opportunities before the 2012 election, on October 28, 2012, Republican Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] announced that he was requesting the State Board of Elections to expand the number of in-person absentee voting hours between the end of the storm and the election day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/breaking/dp-mcdonnell-urges-caution-and-preparation-will-expand-hours-for-absentee-voting-20121028,0,982955.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hrdailypress%2Fnews+%28Daily+Press+-+Front+Page+News%29|title=McDonnell urges caution and preparation; will expand hours for absentee voting|first=Todd |last=Wilson|work=Hampton Roads Daily Press|date=October 28, 2012|accessdate=October 30, 2012}}</ref>

Virginia provides the list of people who have requested absentee ballots or have in-person absentee voted to political parties "upon request and for a reasonable fee."<ref>[https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?000+cod+24.2-710 Va. Code § 24.2-710.]</ref>  The parties then contact voters based on that data.<ref name=disclose>{{cite news|title=Campaigns pay to track absentee ballots in Virginia|first=Errin|last=Haines|work=Washington Post|date=October 27, 2012|page=B1}}</ref>

Virginia provides the list of people who have requested absentee ballots or have voted in person absentee to political parties "upon request and for a reasonable fee."<ref>[https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?000+cod+24.2-710 Va. Code § 24.2-710.]</ref>  The parties then contact voters based on that data.<ref name=disclose>{{cite news|title=Campaigns pay to track absentee ballots in Virginia|first=Errin|last=Haines|work=Washington Post|date=October 27, 2012|page=B1}}</ref>

In November 2012, liberal, [[Planned Parenthood]]-endorsed<ref>http://www.janethowell.com/content/endorsements</ref> [[Democrat]] State Senator Janet Howell renewed her call for Virginia to adopt early voting after a very small percentage voters had to stand in line for hours in the 2012 General election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://washingtonexaminer.com/long-lines-reignite-push-for-early-voting-in-virginia/article/2513294#.UKN4aIU5V4s|title=Long lines reignite push for early voting in Virginia|date=November 12, 2012|work=Washington Examiner|accessdate=November 14, 2012|first=Steve|last=Contorno}}</ref>

In November 2012, liberal, [[Planned Parenthood]]-endorsed<ref>http://www.janethowell.com/content/endorsements</ref> [[Democrat]] State Senator Janet Howell renewed her call for Virginia to adopt early voting after a very small percentage voters had to stand in line for hours in the 2012 General election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://washingtonexaminer.com/long-lines-reignite-push-for-early-voting-in-virginia/article/2513294#.UKN4aIU5V4s|title=Long lines reignite push for early voting in Virginia|date=November 12, 2012|work=Washington Examiner|accessdate=November 14, 2012|first=Steve|last=Contorno}}</ref>

As of October 1, 2021, eight states plus the District of Columbia use all mail-in voting: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/california-republicans-e2-80-99-demonization-of-voting-by-mail-may-backfire/ar-AAOV7R8</ref>

As of October 1, 2021, eight states plus the District of Columbia use all mail-in voting: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/california-republicans-e2-80-99-demonization-of-voting-by-mail-may-backfire/ar-AAOV7R8</ref>

Of those, the [[liberal]] states of Oregon and Washington were among the first to use mail voting for all voters.  This scheme allows voters to cast their votes in advance of election day. In 1998, [[Oregon]] voters passed an initiative requiring that all elections be conducted by mail. Voters may also drop their ballots off at a county-designated official drop site.

Of those, the [[liberal]] states of Oregon and Washington were among the first to use mail voting for all voters.  This scheme allows voters to cast their votes in advance of Election Day. In 1998, [[Oregon]] voters passed an initiative requiring that all elections be conducted by mail. Voters may also drop their ballots off at a county-designated official drop site.

In 2011, Washington passed a law requiring all counties to conduct vote-by-mail elections.<ref>{{cite news

In 2011, Washington passed a law requiring all counties to conduct vote-by-mail elections.<ref>{{cite news

|title=First big all-mail election results posted smoothly - VOTE BY MAIL

|title=First big all-mail election results posted smoothly - VOTE BY MAIL

|work=The Seattle Times|date=August 19, 2009|first=Nicole|last=Tsong

|work=The Seattle Times|date=August 19, 2009|first=Nicole|last=Tsong

}}</ref> In the Washington system, ballots must be '''postmarked''' (not '''received''') by election day, so complete results are delayed by several days.<ref name=STimes09/>

}}</ref> In the Washington system, ballots must be '''postmarked''' (not '''received''') by Election Day, so complete results are delayed by several days.<ref name=STimes09/>

Other states allow absentee voting by mail, some have no restrictions on doing so, while others limit it for specific reasons (see Texas above).

Other states allow absentee voting by mail, some have no restrictions on doing so, while others limit it for specific reasons (see Texas above).