Absentee and Mail-In Ballots

Eligible to vote but are unable to get to your designated polling place? You may want to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot:

Absentee Ballots

An absentee ballot is used for people who are unable to go to an official polling place on Election Day, such as:

• people with disabilities, with illnesses or of older age who are unable to leave their homes
• students who temporarily live outside of the county where they’re registered
• Military personnel and their families

Absentee ballots are usually mailed, although some states allow you to email, fax or deliver your ballot in person to a designated location. Usually, you will need to request your absentee ballot at least a week before the election. Visit longdistancevoter.org or overseasvotefoundation.org for information on absentee ballots in your state or to register for one online.

Mail-In Ballots

Some states give you the option to do a mail-in ballot. Mail-in ballots help you avoid standing in long lines on Election Day and allow you to take your time filling out the ballot at home. You usually will receive your mail-in ballot a few weeks before the election. You can mail the ballot back or you may be able to drop it off at designated locations. To learn more about mail-in ballots, contact your state’s election office.

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