National Postal Museum Unveils Exhibition on Voting by Mail History

The Smithsonian's National Postal Museum is preparing to launch a new exhibition titled "Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19," offering visitors a comprehensive look at the role of mail in America's electoral process. Set to open on August 24, 2023, and run through February 23, 2025, the exhibition aims to shed light on the historical significance and ongoing importance of mail-in voting in shaping the nation's democracy.

Contrary to popular belief, voting by mail is not a recent innovation sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic. The exhibition reveals that this practice has roots dating back to the Civil War, when soldiers unable to return home were first given the opportunity to cast their ballots via mail. The concept gained further traction during World War II, as the nation sought ways to ensure military personnel could participate in elections while deployed overseas.

The exhibition explores how mail has been consistently utilized to provide citizens with access to election information and materials. It delves into the evolution of voting by mail legislation for both military and civilian populations, highlighting how historical events and political climates have influenced its development over time.

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter a range of artifacts that illustrate the progression of mail-in voting. Among the notable items on display are a Civil War-era envelope designed for mailing soldiers' votes on tally sheets, World War II absentee voting materials created for U.S. Armed Forces, and examples of modern election mail including absentee ballots and official election information guides.

The exhibition also addresses more recent developments in voting by mail. Since the 1980s, some jurisdictions, including eight states and the District of Columbia, have implemented all-mail voting systems where ballots are automatically distributed to registered voters. The Covid-19 pandemic further accelerated discussions and debates surrounding mail-in voting, leading to temporary procedures and new laws in various states.

Elliot Gruber, director of the museum, emphasized the significance of the exhibition, stating, "We are excited to present the role of mail in U.S. elections for government representatives serving the American public. The history of mail as an official conduit of election information and election voting materials has long been part of our nation's history."

To complement the physical exhibition, the National Postal Museum has created a special website that makes the stories, themes, and historical artifacts presented in the exhibition accessible to a wider audience. This digital resource allows individuals unable to visit the museum in person to explore the rich history of voting by mail.

The "Voting by Mail: Civil War to Covid-19" exhibition offers a timely and educational experience for visitors interested in understanding the historical context of current debates surrounding mail-in voting. By tracing the evolution of this practice from its origins in wartime necessity to its current role in expanding voter access, the exhibition provides valuable insights into an important aspect of American democratic participation.

As discussions about election security and voter accessibility continue to dominate public discourse, this exhibition serves as a reminder of the long-standing tradition of using mail to facilitate the voting process. It invites visitors to consider how mail-in voting has adapted to meet the changing needs of the American electorate over time and its potential role in shaping future elections.