How do absentee and mail ballots work?

The specific rules for each state vary, but here are the general steps to voting by mail.

1. Register to vote.
2. Request a ballot from your election official.
3. Receive a blank ballot in the mail from your local election official.
4. Return the voted ballot on or before election day.

In some states there is a difference between "absentee" and "vote by mail" or "mail-in voting" but the VoteAmerica tool works for either one, regardless of your state.