Name:   GoneFishin - Subject:   Voting Date:   5/26/2020 1:41:33 PM

But what is the difference between absentee ballots and mail-in ballots? Really, not much.

Absentee ballots differ from mail-in ballots pretty much in name only. Both must be filled out with pen or pencil, signed and submitted in an envelope, a columnist for The Washington Post wrote.

But there are some differences. To vote absentee, a voter in 16 states has to apply and be approved if they are eligible to make their votes by mail-in ballot, giving reasons like age, being disabled or not being in the country on the stated Election Day, USA Today reported.

Five states hold universal mail-in elections, where all registered voters are mailed ballots, but can still opt to visit a polling place in person. Three other states have about two-thirds of votes being cast being done so via mail, according to USA Today.

Florida has vote by mail by requesting a ballot. No reason required.