Replication Data for: The Effects of Voting by Mail on Correct Voting

The share of Americans voting by mail surged in 2020. For those casting a mail-in ballot, their voting experience was different from those who voted in-person. When voting by mail, people can make their choices at their own pace at a time convenient to them, conducting additional research if they wish to do so. We propose that when people vote by mail, they are more likely to successfully identify the candidates that are best aligned with their preferences. Using cross-sectional analysis alongside matching approaches, we show that people who voted by mail in 2020 were more likely to vote correctly than those who cast their ballots in-person. Vote-by-mail was more than just a way to minimize health risks during the coronavirus pandemic – it also had civic dividends. When people vote by mail, they are more likely to choose candidates aligned with their stated preferences.