Postiäänestyksessä

Postiäänestys, also known as postal voting or absentee voting in some jurisdictions, is a method of casting a ballot in an election where a voter receives their ballot by mail and returns it to election officials via mail. This system allows individuals to participate in elections without needing to be physically present at a polling station on election day.

The process typically begins with a voter requesting an absentee ballot or, in some systems, ballots are automatically mailed to registered voters. Once received, the voter fills out the ballot in private, seals it in a designated envelope, and then mails it back to the appropriate election office. Election officials then verify the voter's eligibility and count the ballots received by a specified deadline, which is often on or before election day.

Postiäänestys is often seen as a way to increase voter turnout by making it more convenient for people who may be traveling, have mobility issues, work long hours, or are otherwise unable to reach a polling place. It can also be a critical option in situations where public health concerns might limit in-person voting.

However, the system also faces scrutiny regarding potential security concerns, such as the risk of ballots being lost in the mail, voter coercion, or potential for fraud. Election authorities implement various security measures, including signature verification and ballot tracking, to mitigate these risks. The specific rules and procedures for postiäänestys vary significantly by country, state, or municipality.