by Dylan Sondike ’24

With the Election nearing, the emerging debate of mail-in ballots has become a key conflict throughout the country. In 2020 nine states as well as D.C. will send ballots to every voter and thirty-four other states will give voters the option to use an absentee ballot.  Many Republicans, especially conservatives, believe that mail-in ballots may get lost in the mail, tampered with, and increase the risk of voter fraud. Some people also believe that they do not provide the level of security to assure people that their ballot will be counted. These are not legitimate concerns, and mail-in ballots are convenient, safe, and cost-effective.

With 25 percent of people voting by mail in the 2016 election, fraud cases barely registered as a percent. It also increases voter access and turnout throughout the country. In the state primaries of Washington in 1990, the average voter turnout was 38 percent. However, when Mail-in ballots were the only option, turnout rose to 53 percent. Lastly, mail-in ballots will protect people from the potential to contract Covid-19 and are cost effective. For example, Montana would save an estimate of $2 million or more each election cycle if more people voted by mail. Mail-in ballots are a safe, cost-effective alternative to in-person voting, especially during this pandemic.