The Long History of Voting by Mail, Now on Display at the Smithsonian
Four years ago, millions more voters in the U.S. became familiar with voting by mail. But a new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, called “Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19”, opens this Saturday as a reminder that voting by mail has been a part of American democracy for over 160 years.
Key Takeaways:
- The exhibition challenges the perception that voting by mail is a new concept, showcasing its long history.
- Voting by mail has been used in various forms, from the Civil War to the present day, and has helped ensure voter access for soldiers, people with disabilities, and those in remote locations.
- The exhibition highlights the use of mail-in voting during significant events like World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It also explores the challenges and controversies surrounding voting by mail, including the spread of baseless claims of widespread fraud.
- The museum is actively collecting materials related to voting by mail to help tell a more complete story of its history.
From Civil War Soldiers to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The exhibition traces the origins of voting by mail back to the 1864 election, which marked the beginning of its widespread use in the United States. As Carrie Villar, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs, explains, "That was the big moment that voting by mail stepped up to a national stage." Although, earlier forms of absentee voting existed at the state and local levels dating back to the 18th century.
The exhibition features a diverse range of artifacts that illustrate the evolution of voting by mail, including:
Historical Artifacts
- An envelope used during the 1864 election to mail a sheet tallying the votes of Civil War soldiers from Ohio’s Highland County at a Union Army field hospital in Georgia. This artifact emphasizes the crucial role of voting by mail in granting soldiers the right to vote while serving in the military.
- A photo of Japanese American citizens waiting for their absentee ballots to be notarized in 1942 while they were wrongfully incarcerated at the Tule Lake prison camp in California during World War II. This powerful image showcases how voting by mail enabled individuals in restrictive environments to exercise their right to vote.
- An unused federal war ballot issued in 1944 for absentee voters serving in World War II. This artifact exemplifies the logistical challenges of ensuring voting access for military personnel during wartime.
- An informational card the U.S. Postal Service sent in 2020 to help voters prepare to vote during the COVID-19 pandemic. This artifact highlights the critical role of voting by mail in providing safe and convenient access to elections during a public health crisis.
A Deeper Dive into the History
The exhibition goes beyond merely displaying objects. It delves into the historical context surrounding each artifact, offering a deeper understanding of how voting by mail was implemented and why it has remained relevant throughout American history.
For example, the exhibition features a section on how voting by mail has been used to ensure the right to vote for people with disabilities. Visitors will learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 played a significant role in expanding access to mail-in voting for people with physical or mental disabilities, who might not be able to travel to a polling place.
The exhibition also explores the evolving legal landscape surrounding voting by mail, noting how state laws regarding voter identification, proof of residency, and signature verification have directly impacted the accessibility and inclusivity of mail-in voting.
Challenges and Controversies
"Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19" also confronts the challenges and controversies that have surrounded the use of mail-in ballots in recent years.
The exhibition acknowledges the rise of baseless allegations of widespread absentee ballot fraud during the 2020 election and the subsequent increase in distrust of mail-in voting among some voters. The exhibit also sheds light on the factors contributing to these claims, including political polarization and the spread of misinformation.
However, it’s important to note that the exhibition does not delve into specific instances of election fraud, focusing instead on the broader historical and legal context surrounding voting by mail.
A Call for Public Participation
The museum recognizes that the story of voting by mail is still evolving. To ensure a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal, they are actively seeking donations of historical objects and archival material from the public.
"We’re actively collecting through this election and beyond because we want to continue the story," Villar says. "There’s so much being printed and put out there that it gets thrown away. We would love to see some of that saved."
This call to action demonstrates the museum’s commitment to fostering public engagement and inviting individuals to actively participate in shaping the narrative surrounding voting by mail.
Beyond the Exhibits
Finally, the museum’s dedication to creating a welcoming and accessible environment is evident in the availability of a virtual exhibition on their website. This virtual version enables individuals who cannot visit the museum in person to explore the history of voting by mail, making it a truly inclusive resource for learning and engagement.
The exhibition "Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19" serves as a timely reminder of the historical significance and ongoing relevance of mail-in voting in the United States. By showcasing the wide-ranging ways in which voters throughout history have benefited from this method, the museum encourages a more nuanced and informed understanding of its place in American democracy.
