YOU DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT: A *STATE-BY-STATE* VBM-IN-PERSON THREAD

dropping off your absentee ballot in person (if you can) can 1. ease the burden on the USPS
2. help those who *NEED* to mail their ballots in get counted
3. keep you covid-safe

also, a thing I learned while researching for this:

a lot of states require you to MAIL IN your application for absentee/vbm ballot - do this asap & follow up on it!

then fill out return your ballot AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE so they can process it **well before Nov 3**

ALABAMA:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3105TnK 

Return ballot asap: https://bit.ly/2Y79bn4 
-usually to county election manager
-varies county to county
-call for info!

*Drop off deadline: Nov 2 @ 5pm but pls do it asap*

ALASKA:
Apply for absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/2PUHaef 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/3atGbeg 
-Oct 19-Nov 3
-locations may be updated for the general approx one month before the election

*Drop off deadline: Nov 3 but pls do it asap*

ARIZONA:
Apply for absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/31VcXRB 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y48ATg 
-Oct 7-30 (?)
-Locations varies WIDELY county to county

Verify ballot status: https://bit.ly/3iJBcJh 

*Ballots due by Nov 3 but pls do it asap!*

ARKANSAS:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/2PYgitA 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/30X1F03 
-to county clerk's office
-call for more specific location info
-see early voting dates below

*Drop off deadline: close of business, Monday Nov 2 but pls do it asap*

CALIFORNIA:
CA is mailing ballots to all voters so register here - https://registertovote.ca.gov/ 

Return ballot:
-polling place ( https://bit.ly/3g0HF0P )
-county elections official ( https://bit.ly/3aEVQI1 )
-county drop box

Verify ballot status: https://bit.ly/344oQaw 

*vote asap*

COLORADO:
CO is mailing ballots to all voters so register here -
https://bit.ly/342lftN 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/2CAFrYs 
-info varies WIDELY county to county, good luck

Verify status: https://bit.ly/2FkVV7Q  (go to review your voting record)

*vote as early as possible*

CONNECTICUT:
Apply for absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/2Ebya1p 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/3iHX7AH 
-call your town clerk for info

"Each town will have at least 1 secure dropbox in which voters can drop off their absentee ballots if they choose not to enter town hall."

DELAWARE:

Use this link to register for absentee ballot, find polling location, and check status of ballot - https://bit.ly/3aux11c 

*vote as early as possible*

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:
DC is mailing ballots to all voters so register here if you're not already - https://bit.ly/2DMPbzt 

Return ballot:
-to ANY voting center during early voting or on Nov 3
-to any drop box

Track your ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y4itjE 

vote as early as possible

FLORIDA:

Each county has its own site: https://bit.ly/3iNaoI2 
Use link to:
-Apply for absentee ballot
-Return ballot: "VBM ballots may also be returned at secure drop boxes at Supervisor of Elections' main and branch offices and early voting sites in your county."
-Track ballot

GEORGIA:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/342BEhK 
OR online by end of Aug hopefully? https://bit.ly/2FmpPIU 

Return ballot:
-to county drop box: https://bit.ly/321YIL8 
-to polling location: https://bit.ly/2DNgidK 

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/2DNgidK 

HAWAII:
Hawaii is mailing ballots to all registered voters so register here if you're not already - https://olvr.hawaii.gov/ 

Return ballot to a vote center or place of deposit: https://bit.ly/3430vSB 

Go Hawaii!! Such a clear website, so easy to navigate!!

IDAHO:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3arzJ7H 
or ONLINE but only after Aug 26? https://bit.ly/3atSbMR 

Return ballot to county clerk's office: https://bit.ly/30Zzyx9 
-varies somewhat by county, so check!
-some sites a lot clearer than others

*vote asap*

ILLINOIS:

Apply for absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/31YTwaL 
(method of application varies widely by jurisdiction, oof)

Return ballot:
-to your polling place: https://bit.ly/3asnEix 
-to a drop box but no locations listed yet

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/31XW0pI ? idfk

INDIANA:
They MIGHT change this for the general tbd, but currently, you can only apply for an absentee ballot if you're 65+ yo, sick, or OOT - https://bit.ly/3iHoFGk 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/342aIi3 
-no specific info on if you can return to polling place vs county clerk

IOWA:
Iowa is mailing ballots to active voters so register here if you're not already - https://bit.ly/2FtUEvq 

Return ballot to county auditor's office - https://bit.ly/3kHYUaG 

*Deadline is Nov 3 but do it as early as possible*

KANSAS:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/32239FM 

Return ballot:
-to election office ( https://bit.ly/3kOXDyQ )
-to polling location ( https://bit.ly/2DUCO48 )
-might vary by county, call first to double check

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/2DUCO48 

*vote asap*

KENTUCKY:
Apply for absentee ballot ONLINE: https://bit.ly/3kKqe8t 
or BY MAIL: https://bit.ly/2Cud9P6 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/2CAOYic 
-most counties have an in-person absentee location, usually county clerk office or courthouse
-needs to be updated for the general

LOUISIANA:
Currently need to be 65+ yo, in the hospital, or OOT on Nov 3 to absentee vote, but here's the app anyway: https://bit.ly/3kNAHzR 

Special app for disabled voters: https://bit.ly/3h15dUp 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/2CzlscC 
Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3kNAHzR 

MAINE:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3iL5F9S 
or ONLINE after mid-Aug here: https://bit.ly/3iL5Sda 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/31SZKJi 
-to municipal clerk
-to municipal registrar
-search by town

*vote as early as possible*

MARYLAND:
Apply online for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y6LZW5 

Return ballot:
-to any vote center in your county ( https://bit.ly/2CvLn4V )
-to local election office ( https://bit.ly/3iNjlRE )
-to drop off box, list coming soon ( https://bit.ly/3kI27Hg )

*vote asap*

MASSACHUSETTS:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot - https://bit.ly/2Y4oUn0 

Return ballot asap:
-to local election office ( https://bit.ly/3iL6EXC )
-to drop box (call election office for locations)

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/2Q9iuyN 

*vote as early as possible*

MICHIGAN:
They already mailed absentee ballot apps to all voters, but you can request one online here starting Aug 20: https://bit.ly/3g2tCYs 

Return ballot:
-to township/city clerk ( https://bit.ly/3aqxb9U )
-to drop box ( https://bit.ly/2Y4qpSa )

Track ballot: use second link

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR MINNESOTA:
Apply for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/2CwfrgF 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/2FwJcPP 
-contact county elections office for specifics

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3iNss5c 

*vote as early as possible*

MISSISSIPPI:
Current need to be 65+ yo, sick, or OOT on Nov 3, but you can apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/3g5kked 

And the ballot has to be notarized, which is bananas in a pandemic.

I guess call your county clerk for more info? https://bit.ly/3atddLs 

MISSOURI:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot, and you must put COVID or confinement as a reason: https://bit.ly/3h1OqAH 

Return ballot: https://bit.ly/3h0Lp3z 
-to local election authority
-shouldn't need notarizing

Track ballot: [email protected]

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR MONTANA:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/2CwgBZz 
(18 counties have already mailed ballots to their voters)

Return ballot:
-to county election office ( https://bit.ly/31QfzQQ )
-to places of deposit, noted in ballot materials

NEBRASKA:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3iLQD3S 

Return ballot to county elections office: https://bit.ly/3h5NZW8 

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/311511S 

NEVADA:
Bc of COVID, Nevada is automatically mailing ballots to all active voters, so register here if you're not already: https://bit.ly/2FwLyOF 

Return ballot:
-to county clerks, voter registrars ( https://bit.ly/30WMuE6 )
-to polling locations? tbd ( https://bit.ly/2E6hoRy )

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y5nAAc 

Return ballot to city clerk: https://bit.ly/34gDtIf 

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3g04bXy 

HOW TO VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR NEW JERSEY:
NJ is automatically mailing ballots to all voters! so if you need to register, do so here: https://bit.ly/2PYhehz 

Return ballot to county election official: https://bit.ly/2E8tQQu 

*vote as early as possible*

NEW MEXICO:
Apply for absentee ballot online (not avail just yet), by phone, OR by mail here: https://bit.ly/3kQDY1t 

Return ballot:
-to county clerk ( https://bit.ly/2PV4jx9 )
-to other voting locations ( https://bit.ly/3iFluig )

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3iFluig 

NEW YORK:
Apply BY MAIL w/ an excuse for absentee ballot: https://on.ny.gov/2PWMIol 

use this form for Spanish: https://on.ny.gov/3aqH4V5 

Return ballot to county board of elections?? https://on.ny.gov/3artVLv 

Honestly this site was one of the worst so far, no info & looks super old

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR NORTH CAROLINA:
Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/31WDMoz 

Return ballot WITH WITNESS SIGNATURE to county board of elections: https://bit.ly/3kSQTQy 

*apply & vote as early as possible*

NORTH DAKOTA:

ND already sent everyone an absentee ballot application, but if you threw yours away, you can apply again here: https://bit.ly/30WOM6a 

Return ballot to dropbox: https://bit.ly/31UxvKe 
-go to Ballot Return To Dropbox
-the list hasn't been updated yet, check back

OHIO:
The state mailed everyone an absentee ballot app already, but you can apply BY MAIL here: https://bit.ly/310i57Z 

Return ballot:
-to county board of elections ( https://bit.ly/3g8Nidz )
-to early voting center ( https://bit.ly/31Y87TI )

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3g5oZNf 

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR OKLAHOMA:

Apply for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3atvwjH 

Return ballot to county election board Oct 29-31 only: https://bit.ly/3iH9U6v 

so idk maybe in this case just mail super early? that's a narrow window

OREGON:
Oregon mails ballots to all their voters! If you need to register, do so here: https://bit.ly/3g7GFYY 

Return ballot to local election office: https://bit.ly/3fUNuwM 

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3asA0Hr 

PENNSYLVANIA:
Apply for absentee or mail-in ballot in English or Spanish here: https://bit.ly/2CAYYrK 

Return to:
-county election officials ( https://bit.ly/3g0neBb )
-open early voting locations ( https://bit.ly/2DWgJ5o )

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y4DhHM 

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR RHODE ISLAND:

Apply BY MAIL for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/344Mwvq 

Return ballot to local board of canvassers: https://bit.ly/2FuJgiX 

*apply and vote as early as possible*

SOUTH CAROLINA:
You need an excuse, but you can apply for an absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/2Y6cmeT 

Return ballot SIGNED BY A WITNESS to county election office: https://bit.ly/2DWyvFB 

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y6cI5d 

SOUTH DAKOTA:
The state already mailed absentee applications to all voters, but if you need, you can apply here: https://bit.ly/2PVNhPl 

Return ballot to county auditor's office:
https://bit.ly/2Y8wMEa 

*apply and vote as early as possible*

TENNESSEE:
Apparently, you are NOT ALLOWED to return your absentee ballot in person. So if you do vote by mail, mail it in super early! And if you have to vote in person, try to vote early in an effort to stay COVID-safe!

source: https://bit.ly/3au4BEs 

TEXAS:
You need an excuse for now, but you can apply for an absentee ballot here: https://bit.ly/2DWsWXL 

Return ballot to early voting clerk: https://bit.ly/3aqO8RB 
(tbh a bit unclear)

Track ballot: nope! not unless you're military

UTAH:

Utah automatically mails ballots to all voters, yay! So if you need to, register here: https://bit.ly/2DZufoJ 

Return ballot:
-to county clerk ( https://bit.ly/320nPxA )
-to voting centers ( https://vote.utah.gov/ )

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/314OTwJ 

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR VERMONT:

Vermont automatically mails ballots to all voters, yay! So if you need, register here: https://olvr.vermont.gov/ 

Return ballot to county clerk: https://bit.ly/3iInZAz 
-call to check, website isn't clear

Track ballot: https://mvp.vermont.gov/ 

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR VIRGINIA:

Apply for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3as0QPO 

Return ballot to local registrar's office: https://bit.ly/3g1Lpio  or @ a satellite voting location, call for details

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3kRwESY 

WASHINGTON:

Washington automatically mails ballots to all voters, yay! If you need, register & track ballot here: https://bit.ly/2E2ZVJE 

Return ballot to drop box during early voting: https://bit.ly/3482Lbd  (needs to be updated from July)

More Qs: https://bit.ly/3kRxGyk 

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR WEST VIRGINIA:
Apply for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/3fVDW4A 

Return ballot to county clerk by Nov 2: https://bit.ly/3iXjt1p 

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/3kZ7kL8 

*apply and vote as early as possible*

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON FOR WISCONSIN:

Apply for absentee ballot: https://bit.ly/2Y78XfN 

Return ballot SIGNED BY A WITNESS to municipal clerk during early voting: https://bit.ly/34aUbs6 
-varies by municipality, call to check

Track ballot: https://bit.ly/2DXSzY3 

VOTE BY MAIL IN PERSON IN WYOMING:
They already mailed everyone an absentee application, but if you didn't get one, you can apply here: https://bit.ly/2PVxUX7 

Return ballot to county clerk: https://bit.ly/3444sqj 
You can track your ballot by contact your county clerk as well.