Until a couple of decades ago, voting in the United States was a straightforward exercise that required registered voters to appear at local polling places on Election Day and cast their ballots in person.
A small number were permitted to vote absentee if they were stationed overseas in the military or could show that they were otherwise unable to get to the polls. This system, with minor variations, was used in all 50 states and revealed the winners of most elections with alacrity.
Though not perfect, it was generally efficient, secure, and trusted by the vast majority of voters.
