Mail-in voting anxiety
It’s not uncommon for voters to feel anxious about mail-in voting. In current times, with constant reporting on the status of USPS funding, mail-in voting can seem like an uncertain option. How do I know what happens once I mail the ballot back? What if I want to receive my ballot in the mail but just don’t want to send it back by mail? What if I never get my actual ballot? Should I just risk it and vote in person? These are all fair questions to have, and while we aren’t here to tell anyone what to do, we can do our best to offer some clarity here--so here goes:
How do I know if my vote is being counted? When registering for a mail-in ballot you are required to provide an email address. The purpose of this providing an email address is so that you receive timely updates about the status of your ballot. You are alerted when it is mailed out to you and when you should expect to receive it at the address you provided in the application. Once you complete your ballot and mail it back, you will continue to receive tracking updates until it reaches its final destination. Additionally, you have the option of choosing to send your ballot completed ballot using FedEx and UPS, which can also provide tracking information, at additional cost. Note: Your ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received at the Cook County Clerk's office within 14 days after Election Day.
What if I just don’t want to send my ballot back by mail? If you want to receive your ballot by mail in order to avoid possible exposures to COVID-19 through in-person voting, you have the option to drop your completed mail ballot in a special container at polling centers. This is a much safer option for people who want to minimize exposure, but also want the security of physically submitting your ballot.
Should I just risk it and vote in person? Unfortunately, we can’t answer this question. What we can say, however, is that if a mail-in ballot simply does not feel like a safe option for you, early voting is a critical piece of the in-person voting puzzle. Early voting allows for voters to visit their polling centers before Election Day, minimizing potential crowding and exposure to illnesses, especially COVID-19. If you request and receive a mail ballot but decide you want to vote traditionally (in person) instead, you have the option to bring your ballot to your polling place. There, an election judge will guide you through the process of canceling your mail ballot then voting in person.
Lastly, a parting note: Regardless of when or how you vote, it is critical to practice CDC-recommended precautions to minimize risk for ourselves, polling site workers, and the community at large.
Anisa Hussain is an M2 at Loyola Stritch who, aside from educating patients and her community about voting safely during a pandemic, loves to read. Please email her (ahussain3@luc.edu) for her current book list, or if you have any suggestions for how she can make coffee more enjoyable.
