Ballot Harvesting

Ballot harvesting is a politically charged term for third-party collection and return of completed mail or absentee ballots. Some jurisdictions call the practice ballot collection. Whether it is permitted, who may collect ballots, how many they may handle, and what documentation is required are questions of state or local law rather than one nationwide rule.

Third-party ballot collection is not governed by one uniform U.S. rule. States differ: some permit designated people to return a voter's ballot, some limit who may do so or how many ballots may be handled, and others impose additional restrictions. Voters should follow current instructions from their state or local election authority.

Safeguards can include voter authorization, limits on eligible collectors, chain-of-custody documentation, signature requirements, restrictions on compensation, return deadlines, secure ballot containers, and penalties for tampering or coercion. The permitted safeguards and collection methods vary by jurisdiction, so official election guidance should control rather than generalized claims about ballot harvesting.