What Is Ballot Harvesting?

Ballot harvesting, also referred to as ballot collection, is the practice of allowing third parties to collect completed absentee or mail-in ballots and deliver them to election offices on behalf of voters. It is a topic that often sparks debate due to varying state laws and differing opinions on its potential impact on election integrity.

How Ballot Harvesting Works

When voters opt to vote by mail, they receive an absentee ballot. After completing it, they have several options for returning it: mailing it back directly to election officials, dropping it off at designated ballot drop boxes, or in some cases, allowing a third party to return the ballot for them. This third-party assistance is what defines ballot harvesting.

In states where ballot harvesting is legal, organizations or individuals - such as campaign volunteers, family members, or community organizers - can gather ballots from voters and submit them in bulk. The idea is that by collecting ballots from elderly, disabled, or otherwise immobile voters, or those who may have difficulty accessing polling places or drop boxes, these intermediaries can help increase voter participation.

Variability of Laws Across States

Ballot harvesting laws vary widely across the U.S., and this is where much of the controversy arises. Some states allow unrestricted third-party ballot collection, while others impose strict regulations or outright bans. For example, states like California allow nearly anyone to collect and return ballots, whereas states such as Texas and Georgia limit ballot collection to family members or caregivers. Some states place a cap on the number of ballots a person can collect, while others, like North Carolina, have made it a felony for anyone except a close family member to help someone vote absentee due to concerns about election integrity.

Concerns and Controversies

Proponents of ballot harvesting argue that it can increase voter turnout, particularly in marginalized communities or among people with limited mobility, language barriers, or work commitments that make in-person voting difficult. They believe that with proper regulation, this method can provide a service to voters who otherwise may not be able to cast their ballots.

However, opponents raise concerns about the potential for fraud, coercion, or undue influence. They argue that allowing third parties to handle multiple ballots opens the door to manipulation, particularly if those collecting ballots are affiliated with political campaigns or advocacy groups. There are fears that unscrupulous individuals could tamper with or discard ballots that do not favor their preferred candidates. Although widespread voter fraud in the U.S. is rare, isolated incidents related to ballot harvesting have occurred, fueling calls for stricter regulations.

A well-known example of ballot harvesting controversy occurred during the 2018 midterm elections in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. Republican operatives were indicted for allegedly collecting hundreds of blank or incomplete absentee ballots and forge signatures and/or fill in votes. The election results were thrown out and a new election was ordered. This incident highlighted the potential risks of improper handling of absentee ballots and has been cited by critics as a reason to ban or heavily restrict the practice.

Ballot Harvesting: Helpful or Harmful?

Ballot harvesting remains a contentious issue in U.S. elections. While it offers a way to help more voters participate in the democratic process, it also raises concerns about election security and the potential for abuse. Whether it should be more strictly regulated or even allowed at all largely depends on the balance between ensuring voter access and maintaining election integrity. As debates continue, many states have taken steps to either clarify or modify their rules surrounding ballot collection, with the goal of protecting both voter rights and the security of the electoral process.

References: What is ballot harvesting, where is it allowed and should you hand your ballot to a stranger? | What Is Ballot Harvesting? | Dowless, key figure in NC absentee ballot fraud probe, dies