All-Mail Voting States 2026 — Which States Automatically Mail Ballots to Every Voter

Not every American has to show up at a polling place to vote. In a growing number of states, a ballot arrives in your mailbox automatically before every election. These all-mail voting states (also called universal vote-by-mail states) send ballots to every registered voter without requiring a separate request.

With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, understanding how your state handles mail-in voting is critical — whether you live in a universal mail ballot state, a no-excuse absentee state, or a state that still requires a reason to vote by mail.

States That Automatically Mail Ballots to Every Voter

As of 2026, eight states conduct elections primarily by mail. Every registered voter in these states automatically receives a ballot in the mail before each election — no application needed:

• Oregon — The pioneer of vote-by-mail. Oregon has conducted all elections by mail since 2000, the longest-running program in the country.
• Washington — Moved to all-mail elections statewide in 2011. Counties provide ballot drop boxes and accessible voting centers.
• Colorado — All-mail since 2013. Colorado also maintains voter service and polling centers for in-person voting and same-day registration.
• Hawaii — Switched to all-mail voting in 2020. Voters can still visit voter service centers for in-person options.
• Utah — Adopted all-mail voting statewide in 2019 after years of county-level expansion. In-person voting centers remain available.
• Vermont — Made universal mail voting permanent in 2024 after using it during the pandemic elections.
• Nevada — Enacted AB321 in 2021 to permanently mail ballots to all active registered voters. In-person voting centers are still open.
• California — The Voter's Choice Act expanded mail voting, and AB37 (2021) made it permanent that every active registered voter receives a mail ballot.

In each of these states, voters can still choose to vote in person at designated vote centers or drop off their completed ballot at official drop boxes.

States with Permanent Absentee Voter Lists

Several additional states offer permanent absentee voter lists. Once you sign up, you automatically receive a mail ballot for every future election without having to reapply each time:

• Arizona — Active Early Voting List (AEVL). Voters who miss voting by mail in two consecutive election cycles may be removed.
• Montana — Permanent absentee status available upon request.
• New Jersey — Vote-by-mail permanent status available; request once and receive ballots automatically.
• Minnesota — Permanent absentee voter list available to any registered voter.
• Michigan — Since 2024, voters can sign up to be on a permanent absentee voter list.
• Pennsylvania — Annual mail ballot application acts similarly; voters who apply receive ballots for all elections in that calendar year.

States Expanding Mail Voting for 2026

Mail voting continues to expand across the country. Key developments heading into 2026:

• Michigan — Proposal 2 (passed 2022) enshrined no-excuse absentee voting in the state constitution and added permanent absentee voter lists, early voting, and ballot drop boxes.
• New Mexico — Expanded no-excuse absentee voting access and added ballot drop box requirements for every county.
• Ohio — Legislation has been introduced to expand early mail ballot access, though it faces opposition.
• Virginia — Permanently adopted no-excuse absentee voting and prepaid return postage for all mail ballots.

How to Request a Mail-In Ballot in Non-Universal States

If your state does not automatically send you a ballot, here is how to request one:

1. Check your state's rules. Some states require an excuse (like illness, travel, or disability) to vote by mail. Others allow no-excuse absentee voting, meaning anyone can request a mail ballot for any reason.
2. Apply online or by mail. Most states have an online portal through the Secretary of State or county elections website. You can also print and mail a paper application.
3. Watch the deadline. Application deadlines vary — some states require requests 7 to 14 days before Election Day. Apply early to ensure your ballot arrives in time.
4. Return your ballot properly. Follow the instructions carefully: sign the envelope, include any required witness signatures or ID copies, and return by the deadline. Many states allow you to use official drop boxes in addition to the US mail.

Mail-In Voting Status — All 50 States + D.C.

The table below shows each state's mail-in voting policy for the 2026 elections. "Universal mail" means every registered voter receives a ballot automatically. "No-excuse absentee" means anyone can request a mail ballot without a reason. "Excuse required" means you need a qualifying reason.

Summary by Category

• Universal Mail Ballot: 8 states (CA, CO, HI, NV, OR, UT, VT, WA)
• No-Excuse Absentee: 35 states + D.C.
• Excuse Required: 7 states (AL, IN, KY, LA, MS, TN, TX, WV)

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), individual state election websites, Brennan Center for Justice. Laws may change — verify with your state's Secretary of State office before Election Day. Last updated April 2026.