Less Americans plan to vote by mail in 2026 compared to 2020: NBC News poll

Fewer Americans are planning to vote by mail in the 2026 midterm elections, continuing a decline from the unusually high levels seen during the 2020 COVID pandemic election.

A new NBC News poll found that 23% of Democrats, 20% of independents and 16% of Republicans plan to vote by mail. 

The figures are also down from 2024 among Democrats and independents, suggesting a continued shift toward voting in-person.