Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

How voting by mail could save the US election

Coronavirus threatens the US election. Voting by mail could save it.

On April 7, 2020, as the coronavirus held much of the US under lockdown, Wisconsin held an election. Many other states had already decided to delay their spring elections to protect voters.

But in Wisconsin, voters were forced to choose between participating in the election and protecting their safety. Wisconsin’s decision sparked outrage, but it also highlighted a question the US really needs to figure out soon: How do you hold an election during a pandemic?

The answer: voting by mail. Tens of millions of Americans are already voting by mail. Every state allows it.

And ask any election official (Republican or Democrat): The risk of voter fraud is extremely low. In some cases, it can be even more secure than voting in person.

Watch the video above to learn more about how voting by mail works and how it’s kept secure. Or read more from Vox’s David Roberts.

You can find this video and all of Vox’s videos on YouTube. And if you’re interested in supporting our video journalism, you can become a member of the Vox Video Lab on YouTube.

More in Video

Video
What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?
Play
Video

How The Lord of the Rings lore helps explain the mysterious tech company.

By Benjamin Stephen
America, Actually
The progressive plan to reclaim the working classThe progressive plan to reclaim the working class
Podcast
America, Actually

Progressive caucus chair Rep. Greg Casar on his movement’s new playbook.

By Astead Herndon
Video
The Department of Holy WarThe Department of Holy War
Play
Video

What Pete Hegseth’s fascination with the Crusades can tell us about the war in Iran.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Live Nation lost. Will anything change for ticket prices?Live Nation lost. Will anything change for ticket prices?
Play
Video

A jury ruled Live Nation and Ticketmaster a monopoly, but what that means for ticket prices is not so simple.

By Frank Posillico
Eating the Ocean
Why are states unleashing millions of these fish?Why are states unleashing millions of these fish?
Play
Eating the Ocean

America’s fishing paradox.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Why Americans can’t escape credit card debtWhy Americans can’t escape credit card debt
Play
Video

Credit card APRs are now as high as 20 percent.

By Frank Posillico