Mail Voting Exhibition at Smithsonian

A new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, opening Saturday, aims to educate the public about the long-standing practice of voting by mail, which predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Carrie Villar, the museum's director of curatorial affairs, emphasizes that the concept of absentee voting is not new, as many may have assumed during the 2020 election. The exhibit coincides with the upcoming 2024 presidential election, providing a timely reminder of the historical significance of mail-in ballots. The exhibition features a curated selection of mail-in ballot envelopes, election mailers, and photographs, tracing the evolution of voting by mail from the Civil War election of 1864, which marked its national prominence. Villar notes that while earlier instances of mail voting existed at state and local levels, the 1864 election was pivotal in establishing absentee voting as a viable option for citizens, particularly soldiers serving away from home. Villar hopes the exhibit will inspire eligible voters to participate in elections, highlighting the importance of mail-in voting for military personnel who have historically faced disenfranchisement. She reflects on the powerful narrative surrounding the right to vote, urging visitors to appreciate the complexities and challenges faced by various groups, including those incarcerated or away from their home states. For those unable to visit the museum before the exhibition concludes on February 23, 2025, a virtual version is available in both English and Spanish, ensuring broader access to this important historical context.