Good Question: Absentee vs. mail-in ballots

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — News10NBC’s Brennan Somers received a Good Question about the election in November.

Dollie sent him an email asking: Is it me or is everyone else confused about the difference between "absentee ballot" and "mail-in ballot?" She’s worried this could be a nationwide problem that could end up with certain people not qualifying to vote.

You’ve probably heard both terms a lot but voting experts say there’s no real difference. Many states consider them the same thing and the words are used interchangeably.

The non-profit voting resource Vote.org lists them under its absentee section saying all states will mail a ballot to voters if certain conditions are met.

There’s also a verification process for both.

Bottom line, with absentee ballots and mail-in voting? We’re talking about one thing.

Remember, everyone in New York can vote from home this year by applying to vote absentee due to COVID concerns.

Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3.

If you have a question you’d like answered, send an email to GoodQuestion@whec.com.