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Election results, 2024: Analysis of rejected ballots

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Elections by state

In 2024, voters cast 47,957,093 absentee/mail-in ballots in the general election. Of that total, 584,463—or 1.2%—were rejected, lower than the 1.4% rejection rate in 2018, and 1.5% rejection rate in 2022, and up from the 1.0% and 0.8% rejection rates in the 2016 and 2020 presidential election cycles, respectively.[1]

Between the presidential election cycles in 2020 and 2024, the absentee/mail-in ballot rejection rate increased in 39 states and Washington, D.C., and decreased in nine states. Due to incomplete data in 2024, comparisons could not be calculated for Alabama, Connecticut, and Mississippi.

The most commonly cited reason for rejection in 2024 was non-matching signature, which made up 40.7% of all rejections. Other reason given was the second most commonly cited reason at 18.1%.[2]

Turnout and absentee/mail-in data on this page come from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission's (EAC) annual Election Administration and Voting Survey, unless otherwise noted.

The EAC gathers this information from election officials nationwide using a survey that those officials must complete and return for compilation. Click here to learn more about what the EAC does and how it compiles this information. You can also click here to view the 2024 report, with survey methodology information located on page 225.

On this page, you will find:

Analysis of rejected absentee/mail-in ballots in 2024

Overall, the nationwide rate of rejected absentee/mail-in ballots was lower in 2024 (1.2%) than in 2018 (1.4%) and 2022 (1.5%), and higher than in 2020 (0.8%), and 2016 (1.0%). To learn more about the reasons for these rejections, click here.

The five states with the highest rates of rejected absentee/mail-in ballots were:

1. Arkansas — 8.8%
2. Delaware — 5.1%
3. Oklahoma — 4.3%
4. Texas — 3.5%
5. Kentucky — 3.4%

The five states with the lowest rates of rejected absentee/mail-in ballots were:

1. Indiana — 0.2%
2. Maine — 0.2%
3. Vermont — 0.2%
4. Kansas — 0.4%
5. Maryland — 0.4%



The map below shows each state colored based on absentee/mail-in ballots rejected as a percentage of all such ballots returned to election officials in 2024.

Absentee/mail-in voting data, 2024
State Sent Returned Returned % Counted Counted % Rejected Rejected %
Alabama 140,558 N/A N/A 126,018 NA 1,779 N/A
Alaska 60,695 49,616 81.7 48,744 98.2 872 1.80%
Arizona 3,582,082 2,859,348 79.8 2,816,885 98.5 25,071 0.90%
Arkansas 29,173 25,976 89 24,552 94.5 2,274 8.80%
California 23,003,434 13,185,566 57.3 13,062,318 99.1 123,248 0.90%
Colorado 4,090,266 3,000,301 73.4 2,957,550 98.6 42,751 1.40%
Connecticut 129,996 N/A N/A 127,354 N/A 2,642 N/A
Delaware 40,728 35,475 87.1 33,659 94.9 1,861 5.10%
Washington, D.C. 453,858 169,280 37.3 168,111 99.3 1,169 0.70%
Florida 3,524,965 2,960,238 84 2,947,371 99.6 21,126 0.70%
Georgia 327,241 273,512 83.6 268,751 98.3 4,761 1.70%
Hawaii 755,841 487,239 64.5 483,078 99.1 4,161 0.90%
Idaho 196,032 182,434 93.1 179,777 98.5 2,657 1.50%
Illinois 1,177,760 1,030,362 87.5 1,022,256 99.2 16,559 1.60%
Indiana 1,616,735 1,607,247 99.4 1,603,815 99.8 3,432 0.20%
Iowa 235,170 221,210 94.1 220,041 99.5 1,169 0.50%
Kansas 165,077 149,591 90.6 149,350 99.8 561 0.40%
Kentucky 131,762 120,400 91.4 116,324 96.6 4,076 3.40%
Louisiana 167,577 122,627 73.2 119,706 97.6 2,921 2.40%
Maine 224,646 215,753 96 215,242 99.8 511 0.20%
Maryland 878,815 747,040 85 744,244 99.6 2,796 0.40%
Massachusetts 1,349,590 1,186,310 87.9 1,173,112 98.9 13,198 1.10%
Michigan 2,213,167 2,081,265 94 2,017,704 96.9 63,561 3.10%
Minnesota 576,563 455,698 79 446,756 98 9,122 2%
Mississippi 28,558 N/A N/A N.A N/A N/A N/A
Missouri 199,327 183,764 92.2 178,526 97.1 5,238 2.90%
Montana 503,295 432,394 85.9 430,159 99.5 2,235 0.50%
Nebraska 323,237 308,601 95.5 307,135 99.5 1,466 0.50%
Nevada 2,069,339 669,445 32.4 656,140 98 13,305 2%
New Hampshire 98,762 94,362 95.5 92,945 98.5 1,552 1.60%
New Jersey 1,100,762 839,944 76.3 828,200 98.6 11,191 1.30%
New Mexico 122,478 112,494 91.8 111,527 99.1 967 0.90%
New York 975,377 862,737 88.5 836,987 97 25,750 3%
North Carolina 451,176 307,185 68.1 298,269 97.1 8,916 2.90%
North Dakota 94,676 89,930 95 89,429 99.4 501 0.60%
Ohio 1,131,278 1,066,229 94.2 1,058,400 99.3 8,335 0.80%
Oklahoma 124,664 103,025 82.6 98,548 95.7 4,477 4.30%
Oregon 3,038,435 2,291,579 75.4 2,253,114 98.3 38,465 1.70%
Pennsylvania 2,204,273 1,952,372 88.6 1,933,102 99 19,270 1%
Rhode Island 149,399 52,301 92.3 51,995 99.4 306 0.60%
South Carolina 56,663 101,585 93.3 98,782 97.2 2,803 2.80%
South Dakota 155,015 152,146 98.1 151,762 99.7 738 0.50%
Tennessee 98,452 88,748 90.1 86,904 97.9 1,844 2.10%
Texas 463,200 398,270 86 384,221 96.5 14,049 3.50%
Utah 1,475,522 1,268,103 85.9 1,239,070 97.7 23,819 1.90%
Vermont 441,666 237,565 53.8 240,375 101.2 467 0.20%
Virginia 531,154 479,139 90.2 474,332 99 4,807 1%
Washington 5,169,231 3,927,132 76 3,890,945 99.1 36,187 0.90%
West Virginia 24,830 22,624 91.1 22,377 98.9 247 1.10%
Wisconsin 614,367 575,257 93.6 572,434 99.5 2,823 0.50%
Wyoming 39,842 38,421 96.4 38,217 98.8 204 0.50%
Nationwide 66,867,671 47,957,093 0.72 47,629,437 98.8 584,463 1.20%

Historical comparison

This section combines absentee/mail-in ballot data from all EAVS reports since 2016. This table also includes columns showing the change in the percentage of rejected absentee/mail-in ballots compared to 2020, the most recent presidential election cycle, and 2022, the most recent midterm election cycle. Each comparison column includes a ranking between 1 and 49 where 1 shows the state with the largest increase in its rejection rate and 49 shows the state with the largest decrease

Absentee/mail-in ballot rejection rates, 2016-2024
State 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2020-2024
Change		 Rk. 2022-2024
Change		 Rk.
Alabama - 2.4% - - - N/A - N/A -
Alaska 3.2% 3.1% 0.7% 1.4% 1.8% +1.1 14 +0.4 12
Arizona 0.5% 0.5% 0.3% 0.4% 0.9% +0.6 20 +0.5 9
Arkansas 5.9% 7.6% 6.4% 6.8% 8.8% +2.4 5 +2.0 4
California 0.7% 2.0% 0.6% 2.4% 0.9% +0.3 31 -1.5 47
Colorado 0.9% 0.8% 0.9% 1.0% 1.4% +0.5 22 +0.4 13
Connecticut 1.9% 1.9% 1.0% 1.6% - N/A - N/A -
Delaware 1.5% 5.0% 1.3% 13.2% 5.1% +3.8 1 -8.1 48
District of Columbia 0.2% 3.6% 0.3% 1.9% 0.7% +0.4 25 -1.2 45
Florida 0.8% 1.2% 0.3% 0.8% 0.7% +0.4 26 -0.1 33
Georgia 6.4% 3.1% 0.4% 1.5% 1.7% +1.3 11 +0.2 18
Hawaii 0.7% 0.7% 0.5% 1.2% 0.9% +0.4 27 -0.3 38
Idaho 0.4% 1.6% 1.0% 0.0% 1.5% +0.5 23 +1.5 7
Illinois 1.6% 2.2% 1.7% 0.9% 1.6% -0.1 40 -0.1 31
Indiana 0.2% 0.4% 0.5% 1.7% 0.2% -0.3 44 -1.5 46
Iowa 0.7% 1.6% 0.3% 0.2% 0.5% +0.2 34 +0.3 15
Kansas 2.4% 1.1% 0.5% 1.1% 0.4% -0.1 41 -0.7 44
Kentucky 5.6% 6.8% 0.5% 3.3% 3.4% +2.9 3 +0.1 21
Louisiana 3.8% 5.9% 1.4% 2.6% 2.4% +1.0 16 -0.2 36
Maine 1.0% 1.1% 0.4% 0.6% 0.2% -0.2 43 -0.4 40
Maryland 1.5% 1.8% 0.2% 0.4% 0.4% +0.2 35 -0.0 28
Massachusetts 3.3% 5.8% 0.6% 1.2% 1.1% +0.5 24 -0.1 34
Michigan 0.5% 0.6% 0.7% 1.4% 3.1% +2.4 6 +1.7 6
Minnesota 0.9% 1.2% 0.7% 2.1% 2.0% +1.7 9 -0.1 35
Mississippi 1.5% 0.8% 2.3% - - N/A - N/A -
Missouri 2.1% 2.2% 0.6% 1.1% 2.9% +2.3 7 +1.8 5
Montana 0.3% 0.4% 0.3% 0.6% 0.5% +0.2 36 -0.1 32
Nebraska 1.1% 0.9% 0.3% 0.4% 0.5% +0.2 37 +0.1 22
Nevada 1.6% 2.0% 0.8% 2.0% 2.0% +1.2 12 -0.0 30
New Hampshire 2.2% 2.7% 0.8% 2.0% 1.6% +0.8 19 -0.4 42
New Jersey 2.8% 2.9% 1.2% 1.0% 1.3% +0.1 38 +0.3 16
New Mexico 0.2% 0.1% 5.0% 0.7% 0.9% -4.1 48 +0.2 19
New York 5.7% 13.7% 3.6% 1.8% 3.0% -0.6 47 +2.2 2
North Carolina 2.7% 6.1% 0.8% 2.2% 2.9% +2.1 8 +2.1 3
North Dakota 0.7% 0.6% 0.2% 0.4% 0.6% +0.4 28 +0.2 20
Ohio 0.8% 1.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.8% +0.4 29 +0.5 10
Oklahoma 2.9% 4.5% 1.8% 1.8% 4.3% +3.5 2 +3.5 1
Oregon 0.9% 0.0% 0.7% 1.4% 1.7% +1.0 17 +0.3 17
Pennsylvania 1.0% 4.4% 1.3% 1.9% 1.0% -0.3 46 +0.6 8
Rhode Island 2.7% 2.8% 0.0% 0.9% 0.6% +0.6 21 -0.3 39
South Carolina 0.6% 3.1% 1.1% 3.2% 2.8% +1.7 10 -0.4 43
South Dakota 0.3% 0.3% 0.6% 0.4% 0.5% -0.1 42 +0.1 23
Tennessee 1.1% 2.2% 1.0% 1.6% 2.1% +1.1 15 +0.5 11
Texas 1.7% 1.8% 0.8% 3.4% 3.5% +2.7 4 +0.1 24
Utah 0.9% 0.9% 0.7% 1.5% 1.9% +1.2 13 +0.4 14
Vermont - 2.7% 0.5% 0.1% 0.2% -0.3 45 +0.1 25
Virginia 0.6% 2.1% 0.6% 0.9% 1.0% +0.4 30 +0.1 26
Washington 0.9% 1.0% 0.8% 1.2% 0.9% +0.1 39 -0.3 37
West Virginia 2.7% 1.0% 0.2% 1.0% 1.1% +0.9 18 +0.1 27
Wisconsin 0.2% 1.7% 0.2% 0.9% 0.5% +0.3 32 -0.4 41
Wyoming 0.2% 0.4% 0.2% 0.5% 0.5% +0.3 33 -0.0 29
Nationwide 1.0% 1.4% 0.8% 1.5% 1.2% +0.4 - -0.3 -

Change from 2020

The 2020 election cycle was the most recent presidential election cycle before the 2024 presidential election cycle. Between 2020 and 2024, rejection rates increased in 39 states and D.C. and decreased in nine states. The nationwide rejection rate increased.


The five states where rejection rates increased the most were:

1. Delaware — +3.8
2. Oklahoma — +3.5
3. Kentucky —+2.9
4. Texas — +2.7
5. Arkansas — +2.4

The five states where rejection rates decreased the most were:

1. New Mexico — -4.1
2. New York — -0.6
3. Vermont — -0.3
4. Pennsylvania — -0.3
5. Indiana — -0.3



Click "Show more" to view the percentage point change in rejection rates for all states between 2020 and 2024.
Show more

Change from 2022

The 2022 midterm election cycle was the most recent election cycle before the 2024 presidential election cycle. Between 2022 and 2024, rejection rates increased in 27 states and D.C. and decreased in 19 states. The nationwide rejection rate decreased.


The five states where rejection rates increased the most were:

1. Oklahoma — +3.5
2. New York — +2.2
3. North Carolina —+2.1
4. Arkansas — +2
5. Missouri — +1.8

The five states where rejection rates decreased the most were:

1. Delaware — -8.1
2. Indiana — -1.5
3. California — -1.5
4. District of Columbia — -1.2
5. Kansas — -0.7



Click "Show more" to view the percentage point change in rejection rates for all states between 2022 and 2024.
Show more

By state

Alabama

In 2024, Alabama sent 140,558 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, counted 126,018, and rejected 1,179. Alabama did not provide percentages to the EAC.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Alabama, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 98,474 88,601 90.0% 87,553 98.8% - - N/A
2018 63,379 57,832 91.3% 54,833 94.8% 1368 2.4% 18 / 51
2020 170,616 158,321 92.8% - - - - N/A
2022 28,646 24,676 86.1% 24,286 98.4% - - N/A
2024 140,558 - - 126,018 - 1,779 - N/A

Alaska

In 2024, Alaska sent 60,695 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 49,616 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 48,744 and rejected 872, meaning 1.8% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Alaska, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 31,817 27,626 86.8% 26,750 96.8% 876 3.2% 7 / 49
2018 29,257 24,425 83.5% 23,667 96.9% 758 3.1% 11 / 51
2020 121,223 97,344 80.3% 96,701 99.3% 643 0.7% 25 / 50
2022 50,824 41,453 81.6% 40,887 98.6% 566 1.4% 23 / 49
2024 60,695 49,616 81.7% 48,744 98.2% 872 1.8% 16 / 48

Arizona

In 2024, Arizona sent 3,582,082 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 2,859,348 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 2,816,885 and rejected 25,071, meaning 0.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Arizona, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 2,478,063 2,017,722 81.4% 1,991,683 98.7% 10,769 0.5% 40 / 49
2018 2,672,384 1,899,240 71.1% 1,874,577 98.7% 8,567 0.5% 45 / 51
2020 3,529,586 2,938,896 83.3% 2,931,164 99.7% 7,732 0.3% 43 / 50
2022 3,272,421 2,099,724 64.2% 2,090,789 99.6% 8,935 0.4% 42 / 49
2024 3,582,082 2,859,348 79.8% 2,816,885 98.5% 25,071 0.9% 28 / 48

Arkansas

In 2024, Arkansas sent 29,173 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 25,976 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 24,552 and rejected 2,274, meaning 8.8% of all returned ballots were rejected. Arkansas had the highest rejection rate of 2024.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Arkansas, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 29,902 27,525 92.1% 26,655 96.8% 1,614 5.9% 2 / 49
2018 17,120 15,208 88.8% 11,611 76.4% 1,150 7.6% 2 / 51
2020 120,369 117,555 97.7% 84,232 71.7% 7,561 6.4% 1 / 50
2022 20,325 16,934 83.3% 15,372 90.8% 1,144 6.8% 2 / 49
2024 29,173 25,976 89.0% 24,552 94.5% 2,274 8.8% 1 / 48

California

In 2024, California sent 23,003,434 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 13,185,566 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 13,062,318 and rejected 123,248, meaning 0.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in California, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 12,018,267 8,511,992 70.8% 8,453,683 99.3% 58,309 0.7% 35 / 49
2018 13,687,191 8,286,228 60.5% 8,289,322 100.0% 161,660 2.0% 24 / 51
2020 23,228,899 15,398,923 66.3% 15,305,243 99.4% 92,924 0.6% 29 / 50
2022 22,491,229 9,986,701 44.4% 9,743,427 97.6% 243,274 2.4% 7 / 49
2024 23,003,434 13,185,566 57.3% 13,062,318 99.1% 123,248 0.9% 29 / 48

Colorado

In 2024, Colorado sent 4,090,266 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 3,000,301 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 2,957,550 and rejected 42,751, meaning 1.4% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Colorado, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 3,411,107 2,654,993 77.8% 2,631,744 99.1% 23,249 0.9% 30 / 49
2018 3,467,664 2,449,409 70.6% 2,430,239 99.2% 19,170 0.8% 40 / 51
2020 3,904,381 3,122,440 80.0% 3,092,904 99.1% 29,536 0.9% 15 / 50
2022 3,890,522 2,431,292 62.5% 2,406,246 99.0% 25,046 1.0% 30 / 49
2024 4,090,266 3,000,301 73.4% 2,957,550 98.6% 42,751 1.4% 22 / 48

Connecticut

In 2024, Connecticut sent 129,996 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, counted 127,354 and rejected 2,462. Connecticut did not provide percentages to the EAC

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Connecticut, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 129,480 132,012 102.0% 129,480 98.1% 2,532 1.9% 16 / 49
2018 96,559 91,602 94.9% 89,877 98.1% 1,725 1.9% 25 / 51
2020 832,542 673,899 80.9% 667,403 99.0% 6,496 1.0% 13 / 50
2022 204,840 152,803 74.6% 150,284 98.4% 2,519 1.6% 17 / 49
2024 129,996 - - 127,354 - 2,462 -

Delaware

In 2024, Delaware sent 40,728 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 35,475 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 33,659 and rejected 1,816, meaning 5.1% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Delaware, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 15,924 14,025 88.1% 13,809 98.5% 216 1.5% 20 / 49
2018 17,392 14,142 81.3% 13,436 95.0% 706 5.0% 7 / 51
2020 187,360 163,234 87.1% 161,135 98.7% 2,099 1.3% 9 / 50
2022 30,725 21,923 71.4% 19,027 86.8% 2,896 13.2% 1 / 49
2024 40,728 35,475 87.1% 33,659 94.9% 1,816 5.1% 2 / 48

District of Columbia

In 2024, the District of Columbia sent 453,858 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 169,280 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 168,111 and rejected 1,169, meaning 0.7% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in District of Columbia, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 21,362 16,625 77.8% 16,592 99.8% 33 0.2% 48 / 49
2018 12,400 9,351 75.4% 9,019 96.5% 332 3.6% 10 / 51
2020 416,660 235,486 56.5% 234,758 99.7% 728 0.3% 40 / 50
2022 506,456 132,829 26.2% 130,287 98.1% 2,542 1.9% 12 / 49
2024 453,858 169,280 37.3% 168,111 99.3% 1,169 0.7% 34 / 48

Florida

In 2024, Florida sent 3,524,965 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 2,960,238 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 2,947,371 and rejected 21,126, meaning 0.7% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Florida, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 3,421,930 2,679,049 78.3% 2,657,064 99.2% 21,973 0.8% 33 / 49
2018 3,499,591 2,604,544 74.4% 2,585,374 99.3% 30,540 1.2% 32 / 51
2020 6,065,500 4,750,645 78.3% 4,740,149 99.8% 13,919 0.3% 41 / 50
2022 4,383,461 2,754,324 62.8% 2,732,621 99.2% 22,005 0.8% 36 / 49
2024 3,524,965 2,960,238 84.0% 2,947,371 99.6% 21,126 0.7% 35 / 48

Georgia

In 2024, Georgia sent 327,241 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 273,512 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 268,751 and rejected 4,761, meaning 1.7% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Georgia, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 236,925 213,033 89.9% 199,356 93.6% 13,677 6.4% 1 / 49
2018 281,490 242,661 86.2% 218,858 90.2% 7,512 3.1% 12 / 51
2020 1,759,036 1,316,165 74.8% 1,311,361 99.6% 4,804 0.4% 38 / 50
2022 280,897 252,272 89.8% 248,487 98.5% 3,785 1.5% 19 / 49
2024 327,241 273,512 83.6% 268,751 98.3% 4,761 1.7% 17 / 48

Hawaii

In 2024, Hawaii sent 755,841 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 487,239 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 483,078 and rejected 4,161 meaning 0.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Hawaii, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 218,487 190,553 87.2% 189,225 99.3% 1,244 0.7% 36 / 49
2018 286,317 224,492 78.4% 12,616 5.6% 1,638 0.7% 42 / 51
2020 748,944 551,383 73.6% 548,636 99.5% 2,747 0.5% 33 / 50
2022 733,360 408,612 55.7% 402,233 98.4% 5,078 1.2% 24 / 49
2024 755,841 487,239 64.5% 483,078 99.1% 4,161 0.9% 30 / 48

Idaho

In 2024, Idaho sent 196,032 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 182,434 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 179,777 and rejected 2,657, meaning 1.5% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Idaho, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 207,409 201,256 97.0% 200,380 99.6% 876 0.4% 42 / 49
2018 81,172 76,197 93.9% 72,872 95.6% 1,188 1.6% 30 / 51
2020 407,323 344,893 84.7% 352,641 102.2% 3,613 1.0% 12 / 50
2022 144,960 128,658 88.8% 128,723 100.1% 1 0.0% 49 / 49
2024 196,032 182,434 93.1% 179,777 98.5% 2,657 1.5% 21/ 48

Illinois

In 2024, Illinois sent 1,177,760 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 1,030,362 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 1,022,256 and rejected 16,559, meaning 0.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Illinois, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 428,748 377,551 88.1% 371,557 98.4% 5,994 1.6% 19 / 49
2018 496,345 417,092 84.0% 429,874 103.1% 9,056 2.2% 20 / 51
2020 2,233,578 2,013,990 90.2% 1,986,445 98.6% 33,853 1.7% 6 / 50
2022 1,302,195 1,013,842 77.9% 583,371 57.5% 8,818 0.9% 34 / 49
2024 1,177,760 1,030,362 87.5% 1,022,256 99.2% 16,559 1.6% 19 / 48

Indiana

In 2024, Indiana sent 1,616,735 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 1,607,247 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 1,603,815 and rejected 3,432, meaning 0.2% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Indiana, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 946,408 943,924 99.7% 923,455 97.8% 2,095 0.2% 46 / 49
2018 766,722 762,511 99.5% 750,339 98.4% 3,413 0.4% 46 / 51
2020 547,602 538,860 98.4% 535,942 99.5% 2,918 0.5% 31 / 50
2022 158,998 157,542 99.1% 154,882 98.3% 2,660 1.7% 16 / 49
2024 1,616,735 1,607,247 99.4% 1,603,815 99.8% 3,432 0.2% 46/ 48

Iowa

In 2024, Iowa sent 235,170 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 221,210 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 220,041 and rejected 1,169, meaning 0.5% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Iowa, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 671,415 650,551 96.9% 646,313 99.4% 4,238 0.7% 37 / 49
2018 358,659 325,098 90.6% 310,563 95.5% 5,098 1.6% 29 / 51
2020 1,050,593 997,652 95.0% 994,300 99.7% 2,592 0.3% 44 / 50
2022 379,302 369,801 97.5% 368,907 99.8% 894 0.2% 47 / 49
2024 235,170 221,210 94.1% 220,041 99.5% 1,169 0.5% 38 / 48

Kansas

In 202, Kansas sent 165,077 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 149,591 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 149,350 and rejected 561, meaning 1.1% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Kansas, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 196,910 179,557 91.2% 177,701 99.0% 4,361 2.4% 13 / 49
2018 191,602 172,743 90.2% 170,641 98.8% 1,879 1.1% 35 / 51
2020 362,948 295,021 81.3% 24,924 8.4% 1,361 0.5% 35 / 50
2022 152,208 130,720 85.9% 126,002 96.4% 1,382 1.1% 28 / 49
2024 165,077 149,591 90.6% 149,350 99.8% 561 0.4% 44 / 48

Kentucky

In 2024, Kentucky sent 131,762 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 120,400 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 116,324 and rejected 4,076, meaning 3.4% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Kentucky, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 42,519 38,112 89.6% 35,967 94.4% 2,145 5.6% 4 / 49
2018 29,244 25,837 88.4% 23,971 92.8% 1,756 6.8% 3 / 51
2020 666,472 634,595 95.2% 631,497 99.5% 3,101 0.5% 34 / 50
2022 83,454 75,120 90.0% 72,663 96.7% 2,457 3.3% 4 / 49
2024 131,762 120,400 91.4% 116,324 96.6% 4,076 3.4% 5 / 48

Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana sent 167,577 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 167,577 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 119,706 and rejected 2,921 , meaning 2.4% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Louisiana, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 76,120 59,747 78.5% 57,476 96.2% 2,271 3.8% 5 / 49
2018 65,442 43,959 67.2% 41,363 94.1% 2,596 5.9% 5 / 51
2020 218,057 163,656 75.1% 161,292 98.6% 2,364 1.4% 7 / 50
2022 164,156 105,332 64.2% 102,632 97.4% 2,700 2.6% 6 / 49
2024 167,577 167,577 73.2% 119,706 97.6% 2,921 2.4% 11 / 48

Maine

In 2024, Maine sent 224,646 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 215,753 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 215,242 and rejected 511 meaning, 0.2% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Maine, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 260,033 254,153 97.7% 251,701 99.0% 2,452 1.0% 25 / 49
2018 193,558 185,763 96.0% 183,644 98.9% 2,119 1.1% 34 / 51
2020 373,478 362,594 97.1% 359,331 99.1% 1,326 0.4% 37 / 50
2022 181,719 172,990 95.2% 171,940 99.4% 1,050 0.6% 38 / 49
2024 224,646 215,753 96.0% 215,242 99.8% 511 0.2% 47 / 48

Maryland

In 2024, Maryland sent 878,815 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 747,040 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 744,244 and rejected 2,796, meaning 0.4% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Maryland, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 206,063 160,508 77.9% 158,120 98.5% 2,388 1.5% 22 / 49
2018 146,208 113,702 77.8% 111,696 98.2% 1,997 1.8% 27 / 51
2020 1,699,070 1,505,791 88.6% 1,502,852 99.8% 2,939 0.2% 48 / 50
2022 647,747 538,558 83.1% 536,285 99.6% 2,273 0.4% 44 / 49
2024 878,815 747,040 85.0% 744,244 99.6% 2,796 0.4% 45 / 48

Massachusetts

In 2024, Massachusetts sent 1,349,590 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 1,186,310 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 1,173,112 and rejected 13,198, meaning 1.1% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Massachusetts, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 174,655 155,894 89.3% 150,742 96.7% 5,152 3.3% 6 / 49
2018 105,454 89,437 84.8% 84,280 94.2% 5,157 5.8% 6 / 51
2020 1,679,267 1,531,001 91.2% 1,521,052 99.4% 9,949 0.6% 26 / 50
2022 1,114,849 933,946 83.8% 922,559 98.8% 11,387 1.2% 25 / 49
2024 1,349,590 1,186,310 87.9% 1,173,112 98.9% 13,198 1.1% 24 / 48

Michigan

In 2024, Michigan sent 2,213,167 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 2,081,265 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 2,017,704 and rejected 63,561, meaning 3.1% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Michigan, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 1,342,421 1,260,218 93.9% 1,253,980 99.5% 6,171 0.5% 41 / 49
2018 1,123,415 1,061,835 94.5% 1,055,822 99.4% 6,013 0.6% 44 / 51
2020 3,009,891 2,762,148 91.8% 2,741,668 99.3% 20,480 0.7% 21 / 50
2022 1,800,770 1,680,955 93.3% 1,656,814 98.6% 24,141 1.4% 22 / 49
2024 2,213,167 2,081,265 94.0% 2,017,704 96.9% 63,561 3.1% 6 / 48

Minnesota

In 2024, Minnesota sent 576,563 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 455,698 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 446,576 and rejected 9,122, meaning 2.0% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Minnesota, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 726,026 671,261 92.5% 665,180 99.1% 6,081 0.9% 29 / 49
2018 722,326 640,707 88.7% 632,868 98.8% 7,479 1.2% 33 / 51
2020 1,545,345 1,295,908 83.9% 1,286,660 99.3% 9,248 0.7% 24 / 50
2022 450,413 346,772 77.0% 339,396 97.9% 7,376 2.1% 9 / 49
2024 576,563 455,698 79.0% 446,576 98.0% 9,122 2.0% 13/ 48

Mississippi

In 2024, Mississippi sent 28,558 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, but did not provide information to the EAC regarding returned, counted, and rejected ballots.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Mississippi, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 110,148 103,606 94.1% 102,025 98.5% 1,581 1.5% 21 / 49
2018 69,904 64,060 91.6% 17,979 28.1% 482 0.8% 41 / 51
2020 247,855 239,488 96.6% 233,925 97.7% 5,563 2.3% 4 / 50
2022 11,722 - - - - - - N/A
2024 28,558 - - - - - - N/A

Missouri

In 2024, Missouri sent 199,327 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 183,764 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 178,526 and rejected 5,238, meaning 2.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Missouri, 2016-2022
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 293,076 279,188 95.3% 273,336 97.9% 5,849 2.1% 15 / 49
2018 227,927 215,879 94.7% 211,178 97.8% 4,700 2.2% 19 / 51
2020 935,659 905,132 96.7% 899,695 99.4% 5,437 0.6% 30 / 50
2022 290,428 281,555 96.9% 278,539 98.9% 3,016 1.1% 27 / 49
2024 199,327 183,764 92.2% 178,526 97.1% 5,238 2.9% 8 / 48

Montana

In 2024, Montana sent 503,295 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 432,394 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 430,159 and rejected 2,235, meaning 0.5% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Montana, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 351,575 333,666 94.9% 332,541 99.7% 1,125 0.3% 44 / 49
2018 442,425 367,561 83.1% 366,188 99.6% 1,373 0.4% 48 / 51
2020 704,040 599,505 85.2% 597,912 99.7% 1,593 0.3% 42 / 50
2022 505,618 377,108 74.6% 374,911 99.4% 2,197 0.6% 39 / 49
2024 503,295 432,394 85.9% 430,159 99.5% 2,235 0.5% 39 / 48

Nebraska

In 2024, Nebraska sent 323,237 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 308,601 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 307,135 and rejected 1,466, meaning 0.4% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Nebraska, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 248,424 238,660 96.1% 233,889 98.0% 2,695 1.1% 23 / 49
2018 186,204 168,844 90.7% 167,332 99.1% 1,512 0.9% 39 / 51
2020 508,049 486,844 95.8% 485,195 99.7% 1,649 0.3% 39 / 50
2022 269,285 243,042 90.3% 242,009 99.6% 1,033 0.4% 43 / 49
2024 323,237 308,601 95.5% 307,135 99.5% 1,466 0.5% 40 / 48

Nevada

In 2024, Nevada sent 2,069,339 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 669,445 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 656,140 and rejected 13,305, meaning 2.0% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Nevada, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 86,991 73,425 84.4% 72,248 98.4% 1,177 1.6% 18 / 49
2018 103,810 86,633 83.5% 84,396 97.4% 1,772 2.0% 23 / 51
2020 1,833,795 670,091 36.5% 664,461 99.2% 5,630 0.8% 16 / 50
2022 1,873,813 528,753 28.2% 518,398 98.0% 10,355 2.0% 11 / 49
2024 2,069,339 669,445 32.4% 656,140 98.0% 13,305 2.0% 14 / 48

New Hampshire

In 2024, New Hampshire sent 98,762 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 94,362 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 92,945 and rejected 1,552 meaning 1.6% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in New Hampshire, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 74,547 71,939 96.5% 70,376 97.8% 1,563 2.2% 14 / 49
2018 46,831 44,615 95.3% 43,416 97.3% 1,199 2.7% 17 / 51
2020 263,447 255,935 97.1% 253,932 99.2% 2,003 0.8% 18 / 50
2022 60,535 58,131 96.0% 56,971 98.0% 1,160 2.0% 10 / 49
2024 98,762 94,362 95.5% 92,945 98.5% 1,552 1.6% 20 / 48

New Jersey

In 2024, New Jersey sent 1,100,762 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 839,944 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 828,200 and rejected 11,191, meaning 1.3% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in New Jersey, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 411,574 355,457 86.4% 344,897 97.0% 9,957 2.8% 9 / 49
2018 563,106 406,325 72.2% 392,931 96.7% 11,694 2.9% 14 / 51
2020 6,053,283 4,228,687 69.9% 4,178,875 98.8% 49,812 1.2% 10 / 50
2022 947,150 588,258 62.1% 581,955 98.9% 5,901 1.0% 31 / 49
2024 1,100,762 839,944 76.3% 828,200 98.6% 11,191 1.3% 23 / 48

New Mexico

In 2024, New Mexico sent 122,478 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 112,494 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 111,527 and rejected 967, meaning 0.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in New Mexico, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 69,529 61,287 88.1% 47,429 77.4% 95 0.2% 49 / 49
2018 448,987 440,138 98.0% 448,987 102.0% 240 0.1% 50 / 51
2020 373,548 339,906 91.0% 328,631 96.7% 17,008 5.0% 2 / 50
2022 110,577 98,458 89.0% 97,746 99.3% 712 0.7% 37 / 49
2024 122,478 112,494 91.8% 111,527 99.1% 967 0.9% 31/ 48

New York

In 2024, New York sent 975,377 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 862,737 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 836,987 and rejected 25,750, meaning 3.0% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in New York, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 495,520 402,151 81.2% 364,747 90.7% 22,849 5.7% 3 / 49
2018 341,270 249,002 73.0% 226,151 90.8% 34,095 13.7% 1 / 51
2020 2,366,172 1,832,724 77.5% 1,763,448 96.2% 66,746 3.6% 3 / 50
2022 536,171 392,942 73.3% 382,926 97.5% 7,240 1.8% 14 / 49
2024 975,377 862,737 88.5% 836,987 97.0% 25,750 3.0% 7 / 48

North Carolina

In 2024, North Carolina sent 451,176 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 307,185 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 298,269 and rejected 8,916, meaning 2.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in North Carolina, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 212,489 179,263 84.4% 174,402 97.3% 4,861 2.7% 11 / 49
2018 126,142 95,546 75.7% 89,711 93.9% 5,835 6.1% 4 / 51
2020 1,350,883 981,816 72.7% 974,351 99.2% 7,465 0.8% 20 / 50
2022 248,794 183,243 73.7% 179,280 97.8% 3,963 2.2% 8 / 49
2024 451,176 307,185 68.1% 298,269 97.1% 8,916 2.9% 9 / 48

North Dakota

In 2024, North Dakota sent 94,676 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 89,930 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 89,429 and rejected 501, meaning 0.6% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in North Dakota, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 86,442 82,148 95.0% 81,536 99.3% 611 0.7% 34 / 49
2018 101,568 96,125 94.6% 95,562 99.4% 554 0.6% 43 / 51
2020 214,506 183,544 85.6% 183,152 99.8% 392 0.2% 46 / 50
2022 76,019 69,697 91.7% 69,399 99.6% 298 0.4% 41 / 49
2024 94,676 89,930 95.0% 89,429 99.4% 501 0.6% 36 / 48

Ohio

In 2024, Ohio sent 1,131,278 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 1,066,229 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 1,058,400 and rejected 8,335, meaning 0.8% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Ohio, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 1,286,430 1,206,416 93.8% 1,193,227 98.9% 10,189 0.8% 32 / 49
2018 1,030,261 941,447 91.4% 929,985 98.8% 11,462 1.2% 31 / 51
2020 2,314,198 2,144,504 92.7% 2,135,600 99.6% 8,904 0.4% 36 / 50
2022 996,093 914,127 91.8% 911,517 99.7% 2,610 0.3% 46 / 49
2024 1,131,278 1,066,229 94.2% 1,058,400 99.3% 8,335 0.8% 33 / 48

Oklahoma

In 2024, Oklahoma sent 124,664 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 103,025 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 98,548 and rejected 4,477, meaning 4.3% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Oklahoma, 2016-2022
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 122,864 101,905 82.9% 98,381 96.5% 2,965 2.9% 8 / 49
2018 94,598 69,771 73.8% 66,160 94.8% 3,136 4.5% 8 / 51
2020 344,600 280,106 81.3% 275,017 98.2% 5,089 1.8% 5 / 50
2022 92,576 69,956 75.6% 68,697 98.2% 1,259 1.8% 15 / 49
2024 124,664 103,025 82.6% 98,548 95.7% 4,477 4.3% 3 / 48

Oregon

In 2024, Oregon sent 3,038,435 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 2,291,579 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 2,253,114 and rejected 38,465, meaning 1.7% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Oregon, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 2,553,810 2,051,452 80.3% 2,033,878 99.1% 17,574 0.9% 31 / 49
2018 2,860,072 1,907,342 66.7% 7,043 0.4% 176 0.0% 51 / 51
2020 2,924,063 2,397,091 82.0% 2,379,544 99.3% 17,547 0.7% 23 / 50
2022 2,969,563 1,990,727 67.0% 1,968,717 98.9% 28,840 1.4% 21 / 49
2024 3,038,435 2,291,579 75.4% 2,253,114 98.3% 38,465 1.7% 18 / 48

Pennsylvania

In 2024, Pennsylvania sent 2,204,273 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 1,952,372 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 1,933,102 and rejected 19,270, meaning 1.0% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Pennsylvania, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 292,191 266,208 91.1% 262,877 98.8% 2,534 1.0% 26 / 49
2018 216,575 195,953 90.5% 186,664 95.3% 8,714 4.4% 9 / 51
2020 3,120,999 2,653,688 85.0% 2,619,517 98.7% 34,171 1.3% 8 / 50
2022 1,433,665 1,258,336 87.8% 1,234,943 98.1% 23,393 1.9% 13 / 49
2024 2,204,273 1,952,372 88.6% 1,933,102 99.0% 19,270 1.0% 26 / 48

Rhode Island

In 2024, Rhode Island sent 56,663 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 52,301 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 51,995 and rejected 306, meaning 0.6% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Rhode Island, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 42,687 39,727 93.1% 38,567 97.1% 1,060 2.7% 12 / 49
2018 31,677 27,193 85.8% 26,418 97.2% 775 2.8% 15 / 51
2020 318,313 318,426 100.0% 318,313 100.0% 113 0.0% 50 / 50
2022 34,361 33,850 98.5% 33,556 99.1% 294 0.9% 35 / 49
2024 56,663 52,301 92.3% 51,995 99.4% 306 0.6% 37 / 48

South Carolina

In 2024, South Carolina sent 108,922 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 101,585 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 98,782 and rejected 2,803, meaning 2.8% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in South Carolina, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 508,508 497,436 97.8% 494,529 99.4% 2,907 0.6% 38 / 49
2018 80,271 72,806 90.7% 70,558 96.9% 2,248 3.1% 13 / 51
2020 447,697 430,229 96.1% 425,701 98.9% 4,528 1.1% 11 / 50
2022 61,033 56,605 92.7% 54,787 96.8% 1,818 3.2% 5 / 49
2024 108,922 101,585 93.3% 98,782 97.2% 2,803 2.8% 10 / 48

South Dakota

In 2024, South Dakota sent 155,015 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 152,146 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 151,762 and rejected 738, meaning 0.5% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in South Dakota, 2016-2022
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 107,128 106,415 99.3% 106,055 99.7% 360 0.3% 43 / 49
2018 89,616 87,311 97.4% 32,056 36.7% 300 0.3% 49 / 51
2020 132,529 123,406 93.1% 122,525 99.3% 789 0.6% 27 / 50
2022 99,905 97,820 97.9% 97,472 99.6% 356 0.4% 45 / 49
2024 155,015 152,146 98.1% 151,762 99.7% 738 0.5% 41 / 48

Tennessee

In 2024, Tennessee sent 98,452 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 88,748 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 86,904 and rejected 1,844, meaning 2.1% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Tennessee, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 59,388 53,903 90.8% 53,310 98.9% 593 1.1% 24 / 49
2018 43,561 39,712 91.2% 38,855 97.8% 855 2.2% 21 / 51
2020 229,768 218,149 94.9% 216,074 99.0% 2,090 1.0% 14 / 50
2022 48,683 44,817 92.1% 44,097 98.4% 720 1.6% 18 / 49
2024 98,452 88,748 90.1% 86,904 97.9% 1,844 2.1% 12 / 48

Texas

In 2024, Texas sent 463,200 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 398,270 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 384,221 and rejected 14,049, meaning 3.5% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Texas, 2016-2022
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 520,027 468,150 90.0% 449,258 96.0% 8,177 1.7% 17 / 49
2018 621,386 533,566 85.9% 527,787 98.9% 9,377 1.8% 26 / 51
2020 1,208,665 988,364 81.8% 982,362 99.4% 8,304 0.8% 17 / 50
2022 444,150 369,562 83.2% 356,987 96.6% 12,575 3.4% 3 / 49
2024 463,200 398,270 86.0% 384,221 96.5% 14,049 3.5% 4 / 48

Utah

In 2024, Utah sent 1,475,522 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 1,268,103 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 1,239,070 and rejected 23,819, meaning 1.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Utah, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 1,090,192 772,888 70.9% 765,886 99.1% 7,002 0.9% 28 / 49
2018 1,469,654 973,915 66.3% 965,147 99.1% 8,768 0.9% 38 / 51
2020 1,752,928 1,396,681 79.7% 1,386,385 99.3% 10,296 0.7% 22 / 50
2022 1,703,702 1,004,614 59.0% 997,442 99.3% 14,859 1.5% 20 / 49
2024 1,475,522 1,268,103 85.9% 1,239,070 97.7% 23,819 1.9% 15 / 48

Vermont

In 2024, Vermont sent 441,666 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 237,565 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 240,375 and rejected 467, meaning 0.2% of all returned ballots were rejected. Vermont had the lowest rejection rate of 2024.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Vermont, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 96,281 - - - - - - N/A
2018 28,317 26,623 94.0% 25,936 97.4% 722 2.7% 16 / 51
2020 313,193 273,784 87.4% 272,318 99.5% 1,465 0.5% 32 / 50
2022 422,603 193,830 45.9% 193,583 99.9% 247 0.1% 48 / 49
2024 441,666 53.8% 240,375 101.2% 467 0.2% 48 / 48

Virginia

In 2024, Virginia sent 531,154 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 479,139 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 474,332 and rejected 4,807, meaning 1.0% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Virginia, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 570,144 538,711 94.5% 535,563 99.4% 3,148 0.6% 39 / 49
2018 102,658 97,295 94.8% 95,238 97.9% 2,057 2.1% 22 / 51
2020 1,099,502 990,198 90.1% 983,907 99.4% 6,291 0.6% 28 / 50
2022 360,659 292,077 81.0% 289,428 99.1% 2,649 0.9% 33 / 49
2024 531,154 479,139 90.2% 474,332 99.0% 4,807 1.0% 27 / 48

Washington

In 2024, Washington sent 5,169,231 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 3,927,132 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 3,890,945 and rejected 36,187, meaning 0.9% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Washington, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 4,312,805 3,333,260 77.3% 3,300,241 99.0% 30,312 0.9% 27 / 49
2018 4,460,649 3,112,157 69.8% 3,064,219 98.5% 32,327 1.0% 36 / 51
2020 5,042,956 4,082,581 81.0% 4,051,164 99.2% 31,417 0.8% 19 / 50
2022 4,850,083 3,077,400 63.5% 3,040,297 98.8% 37,103 1.2% 26 / 49
2024 5,169,231 3,927,132 76.0% 3,890,945 99.1% 36,187 0.9% 32 / 48

West Virginia

In 2024, West Virginia sent 24,830 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 22,624 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 22,377 and rejected 247, meaning 1.1% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in West Virginia, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 13,761 12,558 91.3% 16,373 130.4% 341 2.7% 10 / 49
2018 12,063 10,342 85.7% 10,238 99.0% 104 1.0% 37 / 51
2020 150,202 142,445 94.8% 142,191 99.8% 254 0.2% 49 / 50
2022 12,598 10,541 83.7% 10,818 102.6% 109 1.0% 29 / 49
2024 24,830 22,624 91.1% 22,377 98.9% 247 1.1% 25 / 48

Wisconsin

In 2024, Wisconsin sent 614,367 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 575,257 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 572,434 and rejected 2,823, meaning 0.5% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Wisconsin, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 158,846 139,988 88.1% 138,542 99.0% 284 0.2% 47 / 49
2018 168,788 150,114 88.9% 147,597 98.3% 2,517 1.7% 28 / 51
2020 1,441,825 1,305,082 90.5% 1,302,101 99.8% 2,981 0.2% 45 / 50
2022 478,260 431,232 90.2% 427,246 99.1% 3,986 0.9% 32 / 49
2024 614,367 575,257 93.6% 572,434 99.5% 2,823 0.5% 42 / 48

Wyoming

In 2024, Wyoming sent 39,842 absentee/mail-in ballots to voters, 38,421 of which were returned. Of those ballots returned, election officials counted 38,217 and rejected 204, meaning 0.6% of all returned ballots were rejected.

Absentee/mail-in voting data in Wyoming, 2016-2024
Year Sent Returned Counted Rejected
# % # % # % Rk.
2016 82,303 79,667 96.8% 79,463 99.7% 184 0.2% 45 / 49
2018 63,728 61,806 97.0% 61,546 99.6% 250 0.4% 47 / 51
2020 89,540 85,627 95.6% 85,454 99.8% 173 0.2% 47 / 50
2022 44,711 38,336 85.7% 38,164 99.6% 174 0.5% 40 / 49
2024 39,842 38,421 96.4% 38,217 99.5% 204 0.6% 43 / 48

Reasons for rejection

Absentee/mail-in ballots can be rejected for a number of reasons ranging from a missed deadline to the use of an incorrect return envelope. Each state sets its own criteria for rejecting absentee/mail-in ballots. The EAC provides statistics identifying reasons for absentee/mail-in ballot rejection as reported by each state.

In 2024, the most common reason for rejection was for non-matching signature, accounting for 40.7% of all rejected ballots. The next most common reason was other reason not listed, which accounted for 18.1% of the vote and encompassed "All signature issues, "Neither returned undeliverable nor returned by the voter," "multiple issues with a single mail ballot", and "the rejection reason not being specified," as other reasons for rejection."[3] These two combined for over half of the rejected ballots.

In 2022, the most common reason for rejection was other reason not listed, accounting for 32.7% of all rejections. This category includes all reasons for rejection apart from those specified in the EAC's survey. According to the report, "Undeliverable/Void/Final Not Counted" was the most commonly cited other reason, and "All Signature Issues" was the next-most common. These two reasons accounted for roughly one-half and one-quarter of all ballots rejected for other reasons for rejection, respectively.[4]

In 2018, the most previous midterm election cycle, the most commonly cited reason was also other, accounting for 34.9% of all rejected ballots. According to the report, other included reasons such as "the voter was not registered or eligible, the ballot was missing an important document (such as an affidavit or certification) or included an incomplete document, or that the voter had already voted with a different by-mail ballot or otherwise surrendered his/her by-mail ballot.[5]

In the 2020 and 2016 presidential election cycles, the most common reason for rejection was a non-matching signature, which accounted for 32.8% of all rejected ballots in 2020 and 27.5% in 2016. A non-matching signature means the signature on the absentee/mail-in ballot did not match the signature on file for the voter.[6][7]

Data in the table below comes from each year's respective EAC report. It was only collected from states that report reasons for rejection and percentages may not equal exactly 100%. These figures only include absentee/mail-in ballots returned to election officials.[8]

Absentee/mail-in ballot rejection reasons, 2016-2024
Reason 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Ballot not received on time/missed deadline 23.1% 26.9% 12.1% 23.1% 17.8%
First-time voter without proper identification 1.1% N/A[9] 2.0% N/A[9] N/A[9]
Non-matching signature 27.5% 15.8% 32.8% 26.9% 40.7%
No voter signature 20.0% 13.0% 12.1% 9.8% 10.0%
No witness signature 3.0% 2.5% 5.6% 5.6% 5.6%
Problems with return materials (e.g., ballot missing from envelope) 1.9% N/A[9] 9.5%[10] 10.7%[11] 8.5%[12]
Voter already voted in-person 1.3% 1.4% 13.5% 3.6%[13] 11.1%[14]
Voter deceased 1.5% N/A[9] 1.6% 1.1% 1.5%
Other reason given[15] 14.8% 34.9% 22.5% 32.7% 18.1%
All additional reasons/uncategorized 5.7% 2.2% 0.7%[16] 5.3%[17] 7.8%[18]

Absentee/mail-in voting

See also: Absentee/mail-in voting

All states allow for some form of absentee/mail-in voting, which allows voters to cast a ballot outside of in-person voting on Election Day.[19]

Absentee/mail-in voting procedures can be divided into two categories: automatic absentee/mail-in ballot systems and request-required absentee/mail-in ballot systems. Under automatic absentee/mail-in ballot systems, all eligible voters receive either a ballot or ballot application by default. Under request-required absentee/mail-in ballot systems, eligible voters must request an absentee/mail-in ballot. Request-required systems can be further broken down into those where any eligible voter may request an absentee/mail-in ballot and those where voters must provide an eligible excuse to do so.

In 2024:

  • Eight states and Washington, D.C., used an automatic absentee/mail-in ballot system;
  • Twenty-eight states allowed voters to request an absentee/mail-in ballot without providing an excuse; and,
  • Fourteen states required voters to provide an approved excuse in order to receive an absentee/mail-in ballot.


Twenty-two states changed their absentee/mail-in voting system at least once between 2016 and 2024. Many of these changes took place in 2020 when 18 states changed their systems due to the coronavirus pandemic. Five of those states' changes became permanent, and 12 returned back to systems they had used before the pandemic. Additionally, the 2022 election cycle was the first where Hawaii used an automatic system after previously using a request-required system with no excuse necessary.

Click [show] on the table below to view each state and the system it used by election cycle. Figures shown at the top of each column represent the total number of states that used automatic systems, request-required with no excuse, and request-required with an excuse.

EAC Report links

Use the following links to view the EAC's Election Administration and Voting Surveys from all years referenced in this analysis:

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Nationwide totals shown here and elsewhere on this page include figures from U.S. territories as collected by the EAC.
  2. ↑ All signature issues, Neither returned undeliverable nor returned by the voter, multiple issues with a single mail ballot, and the rejection reason not being specified are listed as other reasons for rejection.
  3. ↑ U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "Election Administration and Voting Survey 2024 Comprehensive Report," accessed August 14, 2025
  4. ↑ U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "Election Administration and Voting Survey," 2022
  5. ↑ U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "Election Administration and Voting Survey," 2018
  6. ↑ U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "Election Administration and Voting Survey," 2020
  7. ↑ U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "Election Administration and Voting Survey," 2016
  8. ↑ According to the 2016 report, 43 states reported data on reasons for the rejection of absentee/mail-in ballots. The 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 reports did not provide the number of states that report data on rejection reasons.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 This category was not included in the EAC's 2018 report.
  10. ↑ This category was not directly listed in the 2020 report. This total is a combination of the five following rejection reasons: ballot returned in an unofficial envelope (4.2%), multiple ballots returned in one envelope (2.1%), ballot missing from envelope (1.5%), envelope not sealed (0.9%), and no resident address on envelope (0.8%).
  11. ↑ This category was not directly listed in the 2022 report. This total is a combination of the seven following rejection reasons: ballot was not placed in a required secrecy envelope (8.6%), ballot was missing from the envelope (0.7%), envelope was not sealed (0.6%), no resident address was on the envelope (0.4%), returned ballot did not have required postmark (0.3%), ballot was returned in an unofficial envelope (0.3%), multiple ballots were returned in one envelope (0.1%)
  12. ↑ This category was not directly listed in the 2024 report. This total is a combination of the seven following rejection reasons: ballot was not placed in a required secrecy envelope (3.7%), envelope was not sealed (2%), ballot was missing from the envelope (1.1%), returned ballot envelope did not have required postmark (0.9%), ballot was returned in an unofficial envelope (0.4%), no resident address was on the envelope (0.2%), multiple ballots were returned in one envelope (0.2%)
  13. ↑ In 2022, this category was relabeled to include ballots from voters who had already voted by mail or in person.
  14. ↑ In 2022, this category was relabeled to include ballots from voters who had already voted by mail or in person.
  15. ↑ According to the 2016 report (p. 10), "'Other' encompasses additional reasons not listed in the EAVS questionnaire, and included responses such as the ballot was not properly notarized, the voter had already cast an absentee ballot, or there was incomplete information on the ballot envelope." According to the 2018 report (p. 14), other reasons included "the voter was not registered or eligible, the ballot was missing an important document (such as an affidavit or certification) or included an incomplete document, or that the voter had already voted with a different by-mail ballot or otherwise surrendered his/her by-mail ballot." According to the 2020 report (p. 13), other reasons included "the voter was not eligible to vote in the jurisdiction, the ballot was missing an important document (such as an affidavit or certification), the document was incomplete or insufficient, there were identifying marks on the ballot, the ballot was missing a secrecy envelope or was outside of the secrecy envelope, or a combination of reasons." The 2022 report (p. 14) specified "Undeliverable/Void/Final Not Counted" and "All Signature Issues" as the year's two most common other reasons. The 2024 report specified "'All signature issues,' 'Neither returned undeliverable nor returned by the voter,' multiple issues with a single mail ballot, and the rejection reason not being specified," as other reasons for rejection.
  16. ↑ In 2020, this total included the following reasons: no ballot application on record (0.6%), and no election official's signature on ballot (0.1%).
  17. ↑ In 2022, this total included the following three reasons: voter did not provide the required documentation or documentation was incomplete (2.7%), voter was not eligible to cast a ballot in the jurisdiction (2.5%), and no ballot application on record (0.1%).
  18. ↑ In 2024, this total included the following three reasons: voter did not provide the required documentation or documentation was incomplete (2.7%), voter was not eligible to cast a ballot in the jurisdiction (2.5%), and no ballot application on record (0.1%).
  19. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Absentee and Early Voting," July 12, 2022
  20. ↑ Certain states are marked as requiring no excuse in 2020 but still may have had a requirement in place. In those instances, a state was marked as requiring no excuse if they expanded the reasons a voter may request an absentee/mail-in ballot to include fear of contracting COVID-19
  21. ↑ Louisiana allowed for additional excuses in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including being at high risk of infection, quarantining, or caring for someone in quarantine.
  22. ↑ Mississippi allowed for additional excuses in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including being at high risk of infection, quarantining, or caring for someone in quarantine.
  23. ↑ Montana did not adopt a statewide automatic system, but rather allowed counties to opt into using such a system for their elections. More than 90% of voters in the state lived in a county that used an automatic system in 2020.
  24. ↑ Tennessee allowed for additional excuses in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including being at high risk of infection, quarantining, or caring for someone in quarantine.
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