How to Track a Mail Ballot and What to Do About a Problem
Published by Midterm Results Live · · Voting guide
Voting rules and dates can change. Confirm details with the official state or local election office linked in this guide.
Some states offer online mail-ballot tracking, while availability and the information shown vary. Use the official state or local election website to check whether your ballot request, mailing, or return has been recorded. The EAC's voter FAQs link to state information about ballot tracking where offered.
Check status with an official source
- Open the EAC state voter information directory and choose your state or territory.
- Follow the state election website's link for ballot tracking, if available. Some offices also provide local election office contacts for questions about a particular ballot.
- If you cannot find a result or the status is unclear, contact the election office through its official website. Ask what the status means and what steps, if any, are available in your jurisdiction.
Do not rely on a tracking link or deadline for another state. Request and return dates differ; our mail ballot deadline guide lists only dates verified from official state sources and identifies information that is not yet verified.
If an election office reports an issue
The EAC says a returned ballot envelope may be checked for required information, such as a signature or other identifying information. If something is missing or does not match, some voters may be notified and given an opportunity to correct the issue. The process and any deadline depend on state and local rules, so follow the instructions from your election office and contact it promptly if you have questions.
For general guidance, see the EAC's voter FAQs and official state directory. The EAC says officials record whether you cast a ballot, but they cannot tell how you voted.
Common questions
Where do I track my mail ballot?
Open your state election website through the EAC directory and look for its ballot tracking tool. Tracking availability varies by state.
What if I cannot find a tracking result?
Contact your state or local election office using its official contact information and ask how to check the ballot's status.
What if officials report a problem with my ballot envelope?
Follow the instructions and deadlines from your election office. Some jurisdictions may notify a voter and offer a chance to correct an issue; procedures vary.
Does a tracking status tell me how I voted?
The EAC says election officials record whether a voter cast a ballot, but they cannot tell how that voter voted.