Pandemics: Another Reason To Vote From Home

#271: In 2016, 33 Million Voted By Mail (~25% of all US voters)
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As I write this, in March 2020, the world is reeling from the spread of the coronavirus.  Without 2020 hindsight, we don't know if things will get dramatically worse, or whether the entire matter will blow over by early summer.  One thing we do know is that the best way to avoid spreading the virus is to stay away from public spaces, like polling places.

With this in mind, state lawmakers who favor vote-from-home legislation can add one more good reason to their list.  As it is, that list is impressive.  This Washington Monthly cover story from 2016 finds that with vote-from-home:
* turnout is higher--in some cases dramatically so
* voters can look up candidates and issues as they vote (so, more informed voting)
* paper ballots mean re-counts are not a problem
* states save money with no polling places to man, and no machines to buy
* no waiting in line
and now:
* zero touching of doorknobs, pens, curtains, and no air-borne particulates

At present, five states (Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah and Hawaii) have instituted 100% vote-by-mail for 2020.  Another five states have partial vote-by-mail.

And one more thing: if enough states allow vote-by-mail, there's less and less of a case to be made for postponing an election due to a pandemic.

As for the delay in reporting an election's results (if ballots postmarked by election day are allowed), there are surely more important things than the political equivalent of 'instant gratification'.

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Here's a Slate article by Rick Hasen that makes the case for action, now.
And here's a thorough look at voting from home, written in early April.
And here's Ron Brownstein at the Atlantic on April 11th, on what is likely to happen.