We’ll show you how to keep track of your mail-in ballot online.
James Martin/CNET
This story is part of Elections 2020, CNET’s coverage of the run-up to voting in November.
Election Day is Tuesday, and almost one-third of the entire of America’s population has already opted to vote early. As of now, over 93 million ballots have been marked, and more than 59 million of those represent mail-in votes. The good news is, for people who decided to vote by mail this election, that most states you can track your ballot online after you vote.
Be aware that different states have different deadlines for mail-in ballots. Some deadlines to mail in your vote have already passed, while others will allow you to vote by mail through the evening of Nov. 3.
If you’re concerned about voting by mail, know there’s been no evidence of coordinated vote-by-mail fraud, with fewer than 150 convictions for the crime over the last 20 years. Here are some ways to make sure your vote will count.
The way your ballot is tracked may differ state by state, or even county by county. For example, BallotTrax is one service your state might use, but others have their own systems or rely on the US Postal Service to monitor your ballot’s location. The Associated Press said it’s also counting and verifying election returns throughout the US.
When tracking your ballot, you may need to enter information such as your first and last name, date of birth and sometimes your Social Security number. Some systems, like the USPS, will need your tracking number on your ballot slip (the part you tore off along the perforated lines). States like Wyoming and Mississippi require you to call your county clerk’s office for tracking information.
After you vote, here’s how to track your ballot online in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Read more: How to watch election night results on Nov. 3
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