• No waiting for hours in line
• No polling place intimidation
• No confusion about where to go to vote
• No need to make arrangements for childcare or time off from work
• No malfunctioning voting equipment
• No need to hire and train poll workers
• Increased election process integrity through signature verification
• Lower election administration costs
• Increased voter turnout

Many states make heavy use of the initiative and referendum process. In each general election, there may be as many as a dozen measures on the ballot for consideration, each with potentially complicated language. A vote by mail system allows voters to study that language, as well as the arguments for and against each measure, and make an informed decision on a far more relaxed timetable than would be possible in a traditional polling place. This tendency toward a more-informed voter might be the largest benefit of the vote by mail system.

Now wait, what about the loss of the sense of community that exists at the polling place?

The extended timetable often allows voters to discuss issues with friends and colleagues, gathering additional information and opinions.

The 2004 presidential election demonstrated that exit polling cannot currently be used as a reliable method for verification of results. A verifiable paper trail allowing for a recount, and an independent auditing system to establish the legitimacy of the vote count are necessary to ensure all results. All vote by mail systems have the advantage of providing a solid paper trail, and random ballot auditing can be incorporated into the regular vote tallying procedure.

A 2003 study showed that those groups that would likely be most vulnerable to coercion actually prefer vote-by-mail. (.PDF)

Not at all. Voters still have the ability to deliver their ballot to designated drop boxes. In Oregon, for instance, city, state and county offices, including libraries, make designated drop boxes available to voters until 8.p.m. on Election Day.