Mail-in voting: What to know

(NewsNation) — Mail-in ballots for the upcoming midterm election are beginning to be distributed even as the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether the postal service has the authority to carry out President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to limit which Americans can vote by mail.

The latest challenge, filed on Sunday, marks the third time that the Trump administration has taken its case to the nation’s highest court. In a 40-page emergency application, Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to immediately permit the administration to bar the U.S. Postal Service from sending mail-in ballots to residents of states that have not submitted a list of eligible voters based on citizenship data.

The filing came two days after a federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the administration from moving ahead with its efforts to limit mail-in voting, which Trump introduced in his March executive order. On Thursday, a U.S. appeals court declined to allow the Trump administration to implement a new postal service rule that would restrict mail-in voting requirements, Reuters reported.

Ballots have already been mailed in North Carolina, parts of Wisconsin and Alabama. Ballots will begin to be mailed in five other states beginning next week. The timing of the looming court ruling raises questions among some whether the changes being sought by the Trump administration could go into effect even if the Supreme Court rules in Trump's favor.

The Supreme Court is not expected to rule on Sunday’s emergency filing until after Wednesday afternoon, which was the deadline set by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson for legal briefs to be filed by those opposing the administration’s plans, National Public Radio reported last week.

Yet, even with the Supreme Court expected to take an expedited approach to ruling on the administration’s latest legal challenge, time is of the essence, with less than 60 days remaining before the critical November election.

Trump’s executive order stipulates that mail-in ballots be sent only to confirmed U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote in each state. Under the order, states that don’t follow it risk losing federal funding.

“The cheating on mail-in-voting is legendary,” Trump said in March. “I think this will help a lot with elections.”

Sauer cited the looming mailing of ballots as an incentive for the Supreme Court to act. In his filing, Sauer wrote that once ballot envelopes “enter the mainstream, there is no retrieving them.”

“And while the injunction allows the Postal Service and the States to continue taking steps to ensure that their envelopes satisfy the Rule’s requirements … each day the injunction is in place risks sowing confusion and chaos because the injunction makes those preparatory steps voluntary, rather than mandatory,” he wrote.

A bipartisan collection of more than 250 current and former lawmakers were part of a separate court filing that urges the Supreme Court to block the Trump executive order from going into effect.

The brief came after two dozen Attorneys General and Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit in late August against the U.S. Postal Service, challenging its right to “unlawfully interfere” with states’ rights to administer elections.

"Donald Trump does not run elections. States do. And his latest attack on democracy is proof of how weak he has become,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement issued with the lawsuit.

Here’s a look at the rules and deadlines each states currently have in place ahead of the November elections:

Alabama

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Alabama: The Alabama Secretary of State has specific instructions on how to obtain an absentee ballot by county on its website.

When are mail-in ballots due in Alabama? Ballots are due by noon on Election Day if received by mail and by 5 p.m. the day before the election if hand-delivered.

Alaska

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 25 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Alaska: According to the Alaska Division of Elections, Alaska is a No Excuse voting state, meaning anyone can vote absentee by mail, fax or in-person delivery.

When are mail-in ballots due in Alaska? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and must be received within10 days after Election Day.

Arizona

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 24 to 27 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Arizona: According to the Arizona Secretary of State, registered voters have two ways of obtaining an early ballot by mail. Directions are found on the SOS website.

Wnen are mail-in ballots due in Arizona? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day

Arkansas

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 46 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Arkansas: According to the Arkansas Secretary of State, specific criteria must be met by registered voters to cast absentee ballots, including by mail.

When are mail-in ballots due in Arkansas? If hand-delivered, ballots are due by the close of business the Friday before the election. If delivered by mail, ballots are due by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

California

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 29 days before the election

How to vote by mail in California? According to the California Secretary of State, any registered voter is permitted to vote by mail.

When are mail-in ballots due in California? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and must be received seven days after the election.

Colorado

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 25-29 days before the election

How to vote by mail in California: According to the California Secretary of State, all registered voters are allowed to vote by mail and mail-in ballots are automatically mailed to registered voters. Directions for casting ballots by mail are found on the SOS website.

When are mail-in ballots due in Colorado? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day and if hand-delivering ballots, voters must be in line by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Connecticut

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 31 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Connecticut: According to the Connecticut Secretary of State, voters, by law, must be active, registered voters to cast ballots by absentee ballot. Absentee applications are found on the SOS website or in the Town Clerk's office in each town for in-person pickup.

When are ballots due in Connecticut? Ballots must be received by the time polls close on Election Day if mailed or hand-delivered by a family members. If the ballot is delivered by the voter, it must be received the day before the election.

Delaware

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 60 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Delaware: According to the Delaware Department of Elections, those wishing to vote by mail must request an absentee ballot through the DOE's voter portal, iVote, and follow the online directions.

When are ballots due in Delaware? Ballots must be delivered by 8 p.m. on Election Day,

District of Columbia

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? Not specified

How to vote by mail in Washington, DC: According to Vote.org, mail-in ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters. Those not registered to vote can register on the website and request an absentee ballot.

When are ballots due in the District of Columbia? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received 10 days after Election Day.

Florida

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 33-40 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Florida: According to the Florida Division of Elections, vote-by-mail requests must be made to the resident's respective county Supervisor of Elections. The website also includes a list of those who can request vote-by-mail ballot.

When are ballots due in Florida? Ballots must be delivered by 7 p.m. on Election Day but a 10-day extension is granted for overseas voters for Presidential primaries or general elections as long as the ballot is postmarked or dated by Election Day.

Georgia

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 25-29 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Georgia: According to the Georgia Secretary of State, residents may vote absentee even if they will not be absent from their county on Election Day. Absentee ballots may be requested online or by mail.

When are ballots due in Georgia? Ballots must be receiveved by the time polls close on Election Day.

Hawaii

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? Not specified but ballots must be returned at least 18 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Hawaii: According to the Hawaii Office of Elections, instructions for voting absentee, including by mail, along with other resources, may be found on the HOE website.

When are ballots due in Hawaii? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Idaho

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Idaho: According to the Idaho Secretary of State, registered voters have the option of how they cast their ballots. But to vote by mail, they must request an absentee voter application, which is mailed to their home,

When are ballots due in Idaho? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Illinois

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 40 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Illinois: According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, voting by mail is an option for any registered voter who may request a mail-in ballot through the mail or in person.

When are ballots due in Illinois? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received 14 days after Election Day.

Indiana

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Indiana: According to the Indiana Secretary of State, absentee voters will be asked to provide their driver's license number, their state identification card number, the last four digits of their Social Security number or the voter identification number on their application for an absentee ballot. Or they must provide a copy of a government-issued ID if requesting an application in person.

When are ballots due in Indiana? Ballots are due by 6 p.m. on Election Day.

Iowa

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 20 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Iowa: According to the Iowa Secretary of State, those wishing to vote absentee must submit a ballot request form to their county auditor and may find the application on the SOS website.

When are ballots due in Iowa? Ballots must be received before 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Kansas

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 20 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Kansas: According to the Kansas Secretary of State, those wishing to vote by mail must first complete an application for an advance ballot and include their driver's license number or a copy of their government-issued photo ID.

When are ballots due in Kansas? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within three days of Election Day.

Kentucky

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 50 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Kentucky: According to the Kentucky State Board of Elections, residents may vote absentee, including by mail, if they meet one of eight reasons and must submit a request for an absentee ballot.

When are ballots due in Kentucky? Ballots must be received by 6 p.m. on Election Day.

Louisiana

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Louisiana: According to the Louisiana Secretary of State, residents must have a valid reason for not voting in person and must complete an application for a mail-in ballot that is specifically based on their reasoning for voting absentee. Criteria and online applications for each classification can be found on the SOS website.

When are ballots due in Louisiana? Ballots are due by 4:30 p.m. the day before the election for most voters and by 8 p.m. on Election Day for military members, those who are overseas, hospitalized or sequestered.

Maine

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 30 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Maine: According to the Maine Secretary of State, residents do not need to provide a reason for casting an absentee ballot but must request an application for the ballot.

When are ballots due in Maine? Ballots must be received by the Municipal Clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Maryland

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 43 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Maryland: According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, any registered voter may vote by mail and does not need to provide a reason for doing so. Residents may request an application for an absentee ballot on the BOE website.

When are voters due in Maryland? Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by 10 a.m. 10 days after the election.

Massachusetts

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 30 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Massachusetts: According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, no-excuse voting may be completed by any registered voter. However, voters must request a ballot by completing an online application, which may be found on the SOC website.

When are ballots due in Massachusetts? Ballots must be received by Election Day.

Michigan

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Michigan: According to the Michigan Department of State, all registered voters have the right to vote by mail using an absentee ballot that is delivered to their home.

When are ballots due in Michigan? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day with the exception of military or overseas voters, whose ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the county clerk within six days after the election.

Minnesota

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 46 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Minnesota: According to the Minnesota Secretary of State, those wishing to vote absentee, including by mail, must fill out an application for a ballot and must have a valid email address, Minnesota state identification card or driver's license or a Social Security number to complete the online application.

When are ballots due in Minnesota? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, whether received by mail, in-person or by drop box drop-off.

Mississippi

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 40 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Mississippi: According to the Mississippi Secretary of State, those wishing to vote by mail must meet certain criteria. Those wishing to do so must contact their respective Circuit Clerk's office, which will verify whether a resident qualifies and who issues the application for the mail-in ballot.

Missouri

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 42 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Missouri: According to the Missouri Secretary of State, residents must meet certain criteria for voting absentee, including by mail and must request absentee ballots from their local election authority in person by mail, fax or email.

When are ballots due in Missouri? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days of Election Day.

Montana

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 25 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Montana: According to the Montana Secretary of State, any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot and must fill out an application for an absentee ballot.

When are ballots due in Montana? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day

Nebraska

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 35 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Nebraska: According to the Nebraska Secretary of State, the state is a no-excuse state, meaning that any registered voter may request an early-voting absentee ballot and is not required to provide a reason why. Applications for absentee ballots may be obtained by county election offices by mail or fax.

When are ballots due in Nebraska? Ballots are due by the times polls close on Election Day

Nevada

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters in Nevada? Not specified but no later than 20 days before an election.

How to vote by mail in Nevada? According to the Nevada Secretary of State, all registered voters are automatically mailed ballots, although residents may opt-out by filling out a form. First-time voters must include proof of identification to be eligible to vote.

When are ballots due in Nevada? Ballots must be postmarked before or by Election Day and must be received by the fourth day after the election.

New Hampshire

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 30 days before the election

How to vote by mail in New Hampshire: According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State, residents must meet certain criteria to vote absentee, including by mail. Proof of identity is required on all applications for absentee ballots.

When are ballots due in New Hampshire? Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day

New Jersey

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in New Jersey: According to the New Jersey Secretary of State, only registered voters are allowed to vote by mail and once residents apply for a mail-in ballot, they are not permitted to vote in person.

When are ballots due in New Jersey? Ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and received by the sixth day after the election.

New Mexico

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 28 days before the election

How to vote by mail in New Mexico: According to the New Mexico Secretary of State, voters may be absentee, including by mail, without providing an excuse for not voting in person. Applications for absentee ballots may be found at the NMVote portal.

When are ballots due in New Mexico? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day

New York

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 46 days before the election

How to vote by mail in New York: According to the New York State Board of Elections, any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot. Each person must request an application on their own and faces felony charges if they make a false statement on the application.

When are ballots due in New York? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days of the election. Ballots may also be hand-delivered the day of the election.

North Carolina

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 60 days before the election

How to vote by mail in North Carolina: According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, any registered voter may request and receive a mail-in ballot but must fill out an application for a ballot.

When are ballots due in North Carolina? Ballots must be received by 7:30 p.,m on Election Day

North Dakota

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 40 days before the election

How to vote by mail in North Dakota: According to the North Dakota Secretary of State, residents are never mailed a mail-in ballot without requesting one. Voting-age residents may request an absentee ballot appplication by their county election auditor. Absentee ballot applications require voters to provide their valid ID information that can be verified against the voter record.

When are ballots due in North Dakota? Ballots must be postmarked by one day before Election Day

Ohio

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 29 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Ohio: According to the Ohio Secretary of State, registered voters wishing to vote by mail must request an application to receive a mail-in ballot.

When are ballots due in Ohio? Ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election and be received no later than four days after the election. Ballots may also be hand-delivered the day of the election.

Oklahoma

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Oklahoma: According to the Oklahoma State Election Board, any registered voter in Oklahoma may vote absentee. State law requires certain voters to confirm their address before submitting an application for an absentee ballot. Anyone who falsifies information on an absentee ballot application faces felony charges.

When are ballots due in Oklahoma? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day and if hand-delivered, must be delivered by close of business the day before the election.

Oregon

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 20 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Oregon: According to the Oregon Secretary of State, all active registered voters receive a mail-in ballot that may either be mailed or dropped at an official election ballot drop box.

When are ballots due in Oregon? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and must be received within seven days of the election.

Pennsylvania

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? As soon as ballots are printed but no later than the second Tuesday before the election.

How to vote by mail in Pennsylvania: According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, any registered voter may apply to vote by mail without providing a reason why they are not voting in person.

When are ballots due in Pennsylvania? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day

Puerto Rico

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? Not specified, but after ballots become available following printing.

How to vote by mail in Puerto Rico: Voting rules depend on the voter's registration state and whether they need to provide an excuse for not voting in person, according to the U.S. Vote Foundation. Voters who are registered in states where they must provide a reason for not voting in person must complete an application for a mail-in ballot. In "no excuse states," ballots may be mailed without providing a reason why the resident is voting in that manner.

Rhode Island

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? Not specified but normally after ballots are printed

How to vote by mail in Rhode Island? According to the Rhode Island Board of Elections, the state is a "no-excuse" state, meaning that voters do not need to provide a reason for not voting in person. However, those wishing to do so must meet certain criteria and must complete an application to receive a ballot.

When are ballots due in Rhode Island? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

South Carolina

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 30 days before the election

How to vote by mail in South Carolina: According to the South Carolina Election Commission, registered voters must meet specific criteria to vote absentee. Those reasons are listed on the Election Commission website. Those voting absentee must complete an application to receive a mail-in ballot.

When are ballots due in South Carolina? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day

South Dakota

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 46 days before the election

How to vote by mail in South Dakota: According to the South Dakota Secretary of State, registered voters must complete an application to receive a mail-in ballot, which must be obtained from their respective county election official.

When are ballots due in South Dakota? Ballots must be received by Election Day

Tennessee

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? Not specified

How to vote by mail in Tennessee: According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, voters must meet specific criteria to be authorized to vote absentee. Eligibility for absentee voting is determined by state law and registration for absentee voting is managed by a voter's county of residence.

When are ballots due in Tennessee? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day

Texas

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Texas: According to the Texas Secretary of State, registered voters wishing to vote by mail must meet specific criteria and must complete an application to receive a ballot.

When are ballots due in Texas? Ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day and received by 5 p.m. the day after Election Day (except for ballots cast from an address outside the US, which must be postmarked by 7pm on Election Day and received no later than five days after Election Day)

Utah

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 21 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Utah: According to the State of Utah, all registered voters automatically receive a mail-in ballot, which must be received after being completed by a specific deadline.

When are ballots due in Utah? Ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election but may be hand-delivered the day of the election.

Vermont

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 43 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Vermont: According to the Vermont Secretary of State, all registered voters are eligible to vote by mail, but must complete an application to receive a ballot. For all general elections, mail-in ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters by Oct. 1 of each even-numbered year.

When are ballots due in Vermont? Mailed ballots must be received by close of business the day before the election but may be hand-delivered the day of the election.

US Virgin Islands

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? Not specified

How to vote by mail in the U.S. Virgin Islands: According to the Election System of the Virgin Islands, any voters who meets the requirements of being an absentee according to local election guidelines is permitted to vote by mail. If a U.S. citizen living outside the United States who has never lived in the United States has a parent who is a qualified elector in the United States Virgin Islands, then that citizen is eligible to register and vote in the election district wherein his or her parent is a qualified elector in the United States Virgin Islands.

Virginia

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 45 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Virginia: According to the Virginia Department of Elections, voters who cast ballots absentee, including by mail, must first complete an application to receive a ballot. First-time voters in federal elections must provide identification if they did not provide ID when they first registered to vote.

When are ballots due in Virginia? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than noon three days after the election.

Washington

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 18 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Washington: According to the Washington Secretary of State, all registered voters are automatically sent mail-in ballots and must be returned completed by a specified deadline.

When are ballots due in Washington? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day

West Virginia

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 46 days before the election

How to vote by mail in West Virginia: According to the West Virginia Secretary of State, certain voters are permitted to cast ballots by mail. Those wishing to vote by mail but complete an application for a ballot and, if voting by mail for the first time, must include a valid form of identification with the completed ballot.

When are ballots due in West Virginia? Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by five days after Election Day (unless that day is a Sunday, then the deadline is the following Monday). Mailed ballots with no postmark will be counted if received by one day after general Election Day. Ballots returned in person must be received one day before general Election Day.

Wisconsin

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 47 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Wisconsin: According to MyVoteWisconsin, all registered voters are eligible to vote absentee, including by mail, but must complete an application to receive a ballot by mail.

When are ballots due in Wisconsin? Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day

Wyoming

When are mail-in ballots mailed to voters? 28 days before the election

How to vote by mail in Wyoming: According to the Wyoming Secretary of State, all registered voters are eligible to receive a ballot by mail, but must complete an application to receive one.

When are ballots due in Wyoming? Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day

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