Additional Steps to Return Mail Ballot
In most states, when a voter casts their absentee ballot, they can simply return the ballot through the mail or in person at a drop box or election office. However, some states impose additional required steps that can create barriers to voters casting their ballot. These additional steps usually consist of requiring a notary or witness signature or requiring a photocopy of acceptable identification.
State requires notary signature to return mail ballot
(5 states)
State requires photocopy of ID to return mail ballot
(2 states)
State requires witness signature(s) to return mail ballot
(4 states)
State does not require photocopy of ID, notary or witness signature(s) to return mail ballot
(39 states + D.C.)
Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. “Additional Requirements to Return Absentee Ballots.” https://mapresearch.org/democracy-map/additional-requirements-to-return-absentee-ballots/s. Accessed June 12, 2026.
Breakdown by Population
*Note: These percentages reflect the voting-eligible population, as reported by the United States Election Project.
6%
6% of voting-eligible population lives in states that requires notary signature to return mail ballot
4%
4% of voting-eligible population lives in states that requires photocopy of ID to return mail ballot
7%
7% of voting-eligible population lives in states that requires witness signature(s) to return mail ballot
83%
83% of voting-eligible population lives in states that does not require photocopy of ID, notary or witness signature(s) to return mail ballot
