Democracy is complicated, but we’ve got you covered. Use the drop-down menu to sort our Explainers by topic.
As we enter the post-election period, you may hear certain terms being referenced that relate to the processing and counting of ballots. Check out our list of post-election terms and definitions in the context of the 2020 election.
Between a record number of mail ballots and staggered dates of when states can even begin counting ballots, newsrooms are unable to rely on the same types of outcome modeling they’ve used in previous elections.
Whether you’re voting for the first time or have been voting for decades, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed at your polling place. Learn about some of the key dos and don’ts before you head out to vote.
More people are voting by mail in this election than ever before. To help give voters peace of mind, 45 states and the District of Columbia allow you to track the progress of your ballot.
While signature matching laws and other forms of discarding eligible ballots need to be reformed, many states provide a way for voters to correct their ballot and still have it count. This is called the cure process.
“Naked ballots” have garnered quite a bit of attention because the Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently declared that ballots returned without a secrecy envelope are invalid, and therefore counties will reject them.
You arrive at the polls and line up to vote, but when you check in the election official hands you something called a “provisional ballot”—or in some states, a “challenge ballot” or “affidavit ballot.” What’s the deal?
Voter suppression efforts are aimed at making it too difficult, too confusing, or too risky to vote. That is why it’s important to arm yourself with information about voting and make a plan on how you will vote early.
Americans who are eligible to vote can do so from all over the world, no matter how long they have lived abroad. By following these steps, US citizens voting abroad can make sure their ballots are counted.
Ballot collection is a safe practice that does not require voters to have their ballots collected, but simply provides voters with the option to receive assistance if they wish, and choose someone they trust to submit their ballots.