The Evolution of Early and Absentee Voting in the United States: From Civil War Soldiers to Modern Practices
Historical Development
The concept of absentee voting began during the Civil War. Many soldiers were stationed far from their home states, making it difficult for them to vote in person. To address this, several states allowed soldiers to vote by mail. For instance, Ohio created pre-printed envelopes for soldiers to mail in their votes during the 1864 state election. This practice was also seen in other Union states, where commissioners were sent into the field to record soldiers' votes.
The Soldier Voting Act of 1942 and its subsequent revisions in 1944 aimed to ensure that soldiers could vote in wartime elections. These acts allowed soldiers to cast absentee ballots, although the implementation faced challenges such as late passage of the bill and logistical issues in sending ballots overseas. Despite these challenges, the acts were significant in extending voting rights to military personnel.
Post-War Expansion
The idea of absentee voting gradually expanded beyond military personnel. By the 1970s, some states began to offer mail-in voting for all registered voters without requiring an excuse. California was the first state to implement this in 1978, making it more convenient for voters who could not make it to the polls on Election Day.
Current Practices
Today, early and absentee voting practices vary significantly across states. Some states conduct all-mail elections, where every registered voter is automatically sent a ballot. These states include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Other states require voters to request an absentee ballot, either with or without an excuse, depending on state laws.
Military and overseas voters continue to have specific provisions to ensure their participation in elections. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides resources and support to these voters, including the ability to request and receive absentee ballots electronically. States are required to send absentee ballots to these voters no later than 45 days before a federal election.