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Which Countries Use Mail-In Ballots? A Global Look Amid U.S. Debate

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by

Lucy
in , , , ,

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Many countries worldwide utilize mail-in ballots or alternative voting methods such as proxy or early voting, beyond the U.S.
  • Mail-in voting has been vital during the COVID-19 pandemic for facilitating safe and accessible elections globally.
  • Countries like France and Sweden allow postal voting or proxy voting, while others like Ecuador use online voting for abroad citizens.
  • The claim that the U.S. is the only country with mail-in voting has been debunked; many democracies incorporate it as a standard practice.
  • The ongoing U.S. debate highlights broader international acceptance and regulation of postal voting as a secure election method.

Table of Contents

Which Countries Use Mail-In Ballots?

Why Mail-In Voting Matters Globally

Countries Using Mail-In Ballots and Other Alternatives

The U.S. Debate on Mail-In Voting

What This Means for Voters

FAQ

Sources

Which Countries Use Mail-In Ballots?

Mail-in ballots are used by many countries worldwide, not just the United States, despite recent claims stating otherwise. Around 17% of all countries allow in-country postal voting, while many others use a mix of alternative ways to vote such as proxy voting, early voting, or postal voting abroad15.

Why Mail-In Voting Matters Globally

Mail-in voting, also called postal voting, offers voters who cannot attend polls in person a convenient alternative. This has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries expanded postal voting to ensure safe elections1. It serves people living abroad, those with limited mobility, or anyone unable to be physically present at a polling station.

Countries Using Mail-In Ballots and Other Alternatives

  • United States: Commonly uses mail-in ballots domestically and offers absentee voting for citizens abroad, including military personnel12.
  • France: Does not have in-country postal voting but allows postal voting for citizens abroad and proxy voting1.
  • Sweden: Permits postal voting abroad, proxy voting, and early voting as alternatives1.
  • Ecuador: Allows online voting for citizens abroad but not postal voting outside the country3.

Many other countries adopt various forms of special voting arrangements to accommodate diverse voter needs beyond traditional in-person voting1.

The U.S. Debate on Mail-In Voting

In August 2025, former President Trump reignited controversy by claiming the U.S. is the only country with mail-in voting, a statement debunked by numerous international examples24. He vowed to “get rid” of mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterms, alleging fraud and costly inaccuracies despite no evidence of widespread issues4. Trump also referenced discussions with leaders like Vladimir Putin, who purportedly criticized mail-in voting’s capacity for honest elections2. However, many experts and fact-checkers confirm that mail-in voting is standard practice worldwide, carefully regulated to ensure election integrity.

What This Means for Voters

Mail-in and postal voting remain critical tools to enhance accessibility and participation in elections globally. The ongoing debate in the U.S. highlights tensions around election methods but should be viewed within the broader global context where postal voting is routine and secure in many democracies.

For citizens and observers, understanding this global perspective on mail-in ballots provides clarity on how countries evolve voting methods to meet democratic needs safely and inclusively.

FAQ

Do all countries use mail-in ballots?

No, while many countries incorporate postal voting, others rely on alternative methods like online voting or traditional in-person voting, depending on their electoral systems.

Is mail-in voting secure worldwide?

When properly regulated, mail-in voting is considered secure in many democracies. Each country has its standards and safeguards to maintain election integrity.

Why does the U.S. debate differ from other countries?

The debate is influenced by domestic political factors, misinformation, and differing perceptions of election security. Globally, postal voting is routine and accepted.

Sources