Discussions about policy responses to the coronavirus are happening at a fast pace. As part of our ongoing coverage Documenting America’s Path to Recovery, Ballotpedia has published a series of articles capturing the regular themes in support of and opposition to these policy responses.

Here’s how it works. First, we identify a topic area, (such as mask requirements or testing). Next, we gather and curate articles and commentary from public officials, think tanks, journalists, scientists, economists, and others. Finally, we organize that commentary into broad, thematic summaries of the arguments put forth.

We’ve identified the following arguments as some of those in favor of expanding absentee/mail-in voting due to the pandemic:

1. Absentee/mail-in voting reduces the spread of COVID-19 and is necessary to facilitate access to voting,
2. Absentee/mail-in voting is unlikely to increase fraud, and
3. Absentee/mail-in voting is fair to both major parties.

We’ve identified the following arguments as some of those against expanding absentee/mail-in voting due to the pandemic:

1. Absentee/mail-in voting is less reliable than in-person voting,
2. Absentee/mail-in voting poses a higher risk for fraud,
3. Absentee/mail-in voting opens the door to flawed election policies, and
4. Absentee/mail-in voting can create election controversies.

Additional reading:

• Arguments in favor of the expansion of absentee/mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020
• Arguments against the expansion of absentee/mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020