For years, elections in the U.S. looked something like voters showing up to school gymnasiums to cast their ballots. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many Americans will vote this time.

To avoid spreading the coronavirus at crowded polling places, states have expanded mail-in voting. At least three-quarters of U.S. voters will now be allowed to cast their ballots by mail. 

In some states, voters will automatically receive ballots in the mail. In others, voters must request them. Mail-in ballots are already on their way in North Carolina.

But not everyone supports the new procedures. President Donald Trump, who will cast his own absentee ballot, says voting by mail could lead to widespread cheating. 

There is no evidence voting by mail leads to widespread voter fraud. Some analysts say mail-in voting could boost voter turnout, potentially helping Democrats.

As millions of Americans prepare to vote by mail, there are concerns the Post Office won't be able to handle the crush of ballots. Some worry President Trump’s postmaster general is moving to purposefully slow down mail service. Some mail sorting machines have been taken out of service and drop off boxes removed. The postmaster denies wrongdoing and says the post office will be ready.

To ease fear that ballots will be lost in the mail, some areas are setting up boxes for voters to drop off their ballots in person. With so many potential mail-in votes, it's possible we won't know the presidential winner on election night.

Both the Trump and Biden campaigns are preparing for court battles after election day if results are close.

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!