Voting By Mail
We know the election process in any year can be confusing. That’s why we’re dedicating one whole week to ensure your organization has all it needs to provide potential voters in your community with the tools to apply for and cast a ballot by mail.
While you share options for voting, remember to keep information in plain language and that mail-in ballots are not accessible for everyone.
We not only encourage you to read and copy the information from the templates, we are asking you to do it! You can give us credit by tagging us in social media posts on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Check out our factsheet for the Virginia election here
Templates
Email or Letter
Dear [Name of Receiver],
Want to vote by mail in the Virginia state primary election on June 8? We want to help you prepare by sharing everything you need to know about voting by mail, and why it might be right for you.
Voting by mail may be right for you if…
- You are concerned about your health and the health of others amidst the pandemic
- You do not require in-person assistance while casting a ballot
- You are more comfortable reviewing and researching your ballot from home
- You will not be at your home address where you’re registered to vote on Election Day
- You have an address where you are able to receive mail
Requesting a mail-in ballot…
In order to vote by mail, you have to request an absentee ballot as early as possible (deadline is May 28). You can do this online or by downloading the paper form here. If you are a first-time voter in Virginia, you may have to vote in person.
Returning your ballot…
There are several options for returning your ballot once you have filled it out.
- Drop it in the mail. The USPS handles millions of letters and packages every day so handling thousands of ballots is just another day at the post office!
- Bring it to a designated ballot drop box to be picked up by the elections office.
- Drop it off at an early voting site or polling location.
Whatever option you choose, you can learn how to track your ballot or where to drop it off here: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/.
Sincerely,
[Organization Signature]
Text Message
Hi, I’m [name] with [name of organization]. Have you considered voting by mail in the VA primary on June 8? Request your absentee ballot as early as possible! Learn more about your voting options here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.
Facebook Post
Thinking about voting by mail in the VA primary on June 8 but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? That’s okay, we can help!
Voting by mail may be right for you if…
- You do not require in-person assistance
- You are more comfortable reviewing and researching your ballot from home
- You will not be at your home address on Election Day
- You have an address where you are able to receive mail
Learn more about your options for voting by mail here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
Twitter Post
Thinking about voting by mail in the VA primary on June 8 but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? That’s okay, we can help!
Learn more about your options for voting by mail here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
Tips
In an effort to get more people to participate in elections, organizations attempt to talk about how simple it is to vote. However, acknowledging the challenges and barriers that people may face can help potential voters feel supported. See Center for Civic Designs, “The Epic Journey for American Voters”.
Additional Resources
Learn more about what people should consider when voting by mail.