With elements of both a democracy and a republic, the United States’ unique form of government works most effectively when eligible citizens vote in national and local elections.
But a high percentage of Americans don’t vote. According to CNN, only 55% of eligible voters cast their vote in the 2016 presidential election, down 5 percent from 2012.
Here we’ll look at a few practical reasons why turnout is lower than desired, as well as the importance of having options for both in-person and early/absentee voting. In the COVID-19 era in particular, expanding voting rights and options is key to increasing voter turnout.
Lack of Time on Election Day
Many working Americans simply don’t have time to vote on Election Day (always on a Tuesday). Young professionals and working parents may not be able to get away to vote before the polls close. And if they don’t already have absentee voting set up, this means they don’t get to vote.
However, according to a recent data compilation and visualization by the employment law firm Mathew & George, 29 states have laws enabling registered voters to take time off (22 require that time off be paid). This map displays which states allow employees to take time off to vote:
While many people are currently unemployed or adjusting to more flexible work schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and others working long hours still face the risk of being too busy working to get to the polls on November 3.
COVID-19 Concerns
With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to spread well into the year, there have been concerns that the fear of getting sick will decrease voter turnout, that in-person voting will spread the virus, or both.
While the number of daily infections in the U.S. has decreased from the July peak and governmental guidelines at the state level have allowed for phased reopenings, the virus remains a threat. People’s behavior during the pandemic has varied greatly based on age, region, and political beliefs, so it’s difficult to know how much the fear of COVID-19 will influence voter turnout, or to what extent polling places will function as spreading events.
Why In-Person Voting is Important
Even as absentee voting becomes more popular, particularly in a COVID-19 world, it is crucial that in-person voting options be protected. For large segments of the population, in-person voting is the best or only option, and a lack of polling places could deny ballot access for large numbers of Americans.
Because online voting is not allowed in federal elections, the only two ways to vote are to go to a polling place (on Election Day or an earlier date) or use an absentee ballot. For people who move frequently and/or lack a permanent address, or who are doing same-day voter registration, voting in person is the most viable option. During the 2016 general elections, 1.3 million Americans relied on some form of same-day voter registration to cast their ballot.
Groups that have historically relied on in-person voting include African American voters, voters with disabilities, American Indian and Alaska Native voters, the elderly, and those who register to vote on the day of the election.
Why Absentee Voting is Important
For college students living away from home, people at high-risk for COVID-19 complications, people in quarantine, and those working long hours on Election Day without the possibility of time off, the absentee voting option proves critical.
In 2020, more Americans are opting for absentee or early voting options than in past years. Some states are automatically sending absentee ballots to all registered voters this year (without requiring voters to request them), and some are allowing people to drop off their completed absentee ballot at a polling place on Election Day in what’s called in-person absentee voting.
During COVID-19 especially, states should make it easier for people to vote from home. Because each state has different rules for early voting, be sure to visit your state election office website to learn more about the specifics.
Why Early Voting is Important
A third option that will prove valuable for many Americans is early voting, which offers the benefits of in-person voting with some of the flexibility of voting by mail. By providing options for early voting, states allow people to vote in person while reducing crowds at polling places on Election Day. This option also allows additional flexibility for those who may not be able to take time off from work on November 3.
To find the early voting location nearest you, visit the U.S. Vote Foundation website.
Conclusion
With the enormous challenges it has presented, COVID-19 has forced organizations to offer flexible options in almost every sector of society and economy. Voting is no different, and the increased number of voting options may help protect or even improve voter turnout by reducing some of the barriers to voting.