Vote By Mail

5 reasons why all states should adopt Vote-by-mail.

Another election, more stories of long lines and waiting to vote. Problems with voting machines and challenges to voters were perhaps less prevalent, or less critical, than in past years; but the problems, or their potential, remain. Each side had a small army of attorneys watching the many states and counties. There is a better way.
Oregon adopted 100% mail in (or drop off) voting years ago. I fail to Understand why the other states have not followed.

1. Vote by mail allows for more thorough consideration of candidates and issues.

In Oregon, the ballot includes Federal, State, County and City elections as well as tax measures and initiative petitions. While nearly everyone walks into a polling station knowing for whom they plan to vote for President, the same cannot be said for this myriad of more local candidates and issues. The result, especially when there is a line waiting to access the voting station, is hurried and less well thought out votes.

In Oregon, by contrast, we receive a State voters pamphlet (sometimes more of a book than a pamphlet), weeks before the election. This includes statements by all of the candidates, and detailed explanations, with for and against arguments, of the initiatives. When the ballot arrives in the mail, I can sit down with my pamphlet and consider each candidate and each initiative. Often I will mark the choices on which I am clear, and then seek further information on less clear choices. It may take 2 or more days to complete the ballot, but I have considered each candidate and each issue.

2. Vote by mail is less subject to fraud.

Signatures (on the outside of the outer envelope) are checked at the County Office before the ballots are opened. Oregon uses a double envelope system, wherein the voter signs on the outer envelope, which is compared to the signature on your voter registration card at the County Clerk’s office, and an inner envelope; protecting the privacy of the vote from even the poll workers. A few years ago, I signed my name sloppily on the ballot. I was contacted by the County Clerk’s office and asked to come in before my ballot would be opened.

Vote-by-mail leaves a paper trail available for possible vote recounts or other review.

I have heard the argument that by mail voters could be unduly influenced by family members or others. It is good that we ask other people who we respect for opinions on issues about which we are undecided. Should we let only campaign advertisers shape our priorities and opinions?
My family discusses candidates and issues. We may even try to convince each other of the merits of a certain candidate or initiative. This is how it should be. In the end, we each cast an independent, more informed vote, even if we end up voting against each other.

3. Vote by mail is less costly.

It is cheaper to mail out ballots than to operate polling stations. The State saves money. It is cheaper to put a stamp on a ballot envelope than to drive to the polling station. Voters save money and fuel.

4. Vote by mail is more reliable.

Problems caused by uninformed poll workers or by citizens going to the wrong voting place are eliminated. Problems with long lines and with failing voting machines are eliminated. At a polling station, if there is question as to my eligibility, I may not get to vote. At best, I cast a provisional ballot that may or may not be counted.
With vote-by-mail, If I do not receive a ballot in the mail along with everyone else, I can call or go to the County Clerk, get it straightened out, and am able cast my vote.

5. Vote by mail is easier.

I vote when I want to and take as long as I want to, and from the comfort of my living room.


At first, Oregon used Vote-by-mail only for off year and off season votes. The system worked so well that vote by mail was expanded to all elections and polling stations were eliminated. It is a better way to run an election.
All states should consider eliminating polling stations and using vote-by-mail. It works.

-Jonathan Spero November 2008