Our second action is to HELP… helping others find the information they need to vote.
You can help others to become engaged by encouraging those you know to vote, beginning with helping them to register.
How do I register to vote?
Click on your state to go directly to the state website on how to register to vote.
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
State Voter ID Laws
What you need to bring to vote.
A total of 36 states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, 35 of which are in force in 2020. The remaining 14 states use other methods to verify the identity of voters. Most frequently, other identifying information provided at the polling place, such as a signature, is checked against information on file. Learn more about states’ voter ID requirements.
See State-by-State Details on In-Effect Voter ID Requirements
About half of the states with voter ID laws accept only photo IDs. These include
- driver’s licenses
- state-issued ID cards
- military ID cards
- passports
Many of these states now offer a free voter photo ID card if you don’t have another form of valid photo ID.
Other states accept some types of non-photo ID. These may include
- birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- bank statements
- utility bills
Each state is specific about the documents it will accept as proof of identification. Check here before election day to see your state’s voter ID requirements
Visit your state’s election office website for state-wide voting guidance. Or use this directory to find your local elections site.
Voting by Mail-In Absentee Ballot
States are making it easier for citizens to vote absentee by mail this year due to the coronavirus. Every state’s election rules are different. And each state has its own rules for mail-in absentee voting. Many are still in the process of deciding how they will handle voting during the pandemic. Visit your state election office website to find out if you can vote by mail.
Click on this link for information on how to register for an absentee ballot.
Acceptable Reasons for Absentee/Mail-in Voting and How to Request an Absentee/Mail-in Ballot
Check out this link which provides a list by state of acceptable reasons to vote via absentee ballot. OR see the rules for each state below.
ALABAMA
Absentee Ballot application https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/voter-pdfs/absentee/RegularAbsenteeAppFillable.pdf
Here you can find answers to your questions about topics such as eligibility for an absentee ballot, applying for an absentee ballot, and casting an absentee ballot.
Absentee ballot applications must be received in the office of the Absentee Election Manager for your county no later than the 5th day prior to the election.
An absentee ballot returned by mail must be postmarked no later than the day prior to the election and received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day. If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p.m.) on the day prior to the election.
You can find the address for your county’s Absentee Election Manager here.
- Absentee Ballot Application – Adobe Acrobat Format
Please fill in all information completely and accurately - Municipal Absentee Ballot Application – Adobe Acrobat Format
Please fill in all information completely and accurately - UOCAVA Application for Absentee Ballot – Adobe Acrobat Format
Please fill in all information completely and accurately - Emergency Absentee Ballot Application – Adobe Acrobat Format
Please fill in all information completely and accurately - Permanent Disability Absentee Ballot Application – Adobe Acrobat Format
Please fill in all information completely and accurately - Permanent Disability Municipal Absentee Ballot Application – Adobe Acrobat Format
Please fill in all information completely and accurately
Absentee Voting Eligibility
A voter may cast an absentee ballot if he or she
- EXPECTS TO BE ABSENT FROM THE COUNTY on election day
- IS ILL OR HAS A PHYSICAL DISABILITY that prevents a trip to the polling place
- IS A REGISTERED ALABAMA VOTER LIVING OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, such as a member of the armed forces, a voter employed outside the United States, a college student, or a spouse or child of such a person
- IS AN APPOINTED ELECTION OFFICER OR POLL WATCHER at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place
- EXPECTS TO WORK A REQUIRED SHIFT, 10-HOURS OR MORE, that coincides with polling hours
- IS A CAREGIVER for a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity and the family member is confined to his or her home
- IS CURRENTLY INCARCERATED in prison or jail and has not been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude
The deadline to submit an absentee ballot application is the 5th day prior to the election.
EMERGENCY ABSENTEE VOTING applications can be made after the absentee deadline but no later than 5 PM on the day before the election if the voter:
- Is required by an employer under unforeseen circumstances to be unavailable at the polls on the day of the election
- Is a caregiver of a person who requires emergency treatment by a licensed physician within five days before an election
- Has a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity die within five days before an election
MEDICAL EMERGENCY ABSENTEE VOTING applications can be made by a voter who has a medical emergency requiring treatment from a licensed physician within 5 days of an election. During that 5 day period, the medical emergency absentee ballot application and the voted absentee ballot must be returned no later than noon on the day the election is held. The medical emergency absentee ballot application requires that the attending physician describe and certify the circumstances as constituting an emergency. The voter may designate someone to turn in the medical emergency absentee ballot application, receive the absentee ballot on behalf of the voter, and return the voted absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager on behalf of the voter.
Absentee Ballot Application
To obtain an absentee ballot, write or visit the local Absentee Election Manager (usually the Circuit Clerk), request an absentee ballot, and provide the following:
- Name and residential address (or other such information in order to verify voter registration)
- A copy of your valid photo identification
- Election for which the ballot is requested
- Reason for absence from polls on election day
- Party choice, if the election is a party primary. (It is not necessary to give a party choice for a general election; however, in a party primary a voter may participate in only one political party’s primary; thus a choice must be designated so that the appropriate ballot can be provided. If the voter declines or fails to designate a choice for a primary or primary runoff ballot, the absentee election manager may send only the ballot for constitutional amendments.)
- Address to which the ballot should be mailed
- Voter signature (If a mark is made in place of a signature, it must be witnessed)
The absentee ballot application must be returned to the Absentee Election Manager by the voter in person (or by the voter’s designee in the case of medical emergency voting), by U.S. Mail, or by a commercial carrier. No absentee ballot application may be mailed in the same envelope as another voter’s absentee ballot application.
Upon receiving the absentee ballot application, the Absentee Election Manager may request additional evidence on the reason for voting absentee if the voter has a history of absentee voting. The absentee ballot applications must be turned in no later than the fifth calendar day before the election.
BALLOT RECEIPT/RETURN
If the absentee ballot application is approved, the Absentee Election Manager
- forwards the absentee ballot by U.S. Mail, or
- personally hands the absentee ballot to the voter (or to a designee in the case of medical emergency absentee voting)
Ballot Procedure
The absentee ballot comes with three envelopes — one plain (the secrecy envelope), one with an affidavit, or oath, printed on the outside, and one plain envelope, pre-addressed (the outer envelope). Once the voter casts the ballot, the procedure is as follows:
- Seal the ballot in the plain envelope
- Place the plain envelope inside the accompanying affidavit envelope
- Seal the affidavit envelope and complete the affidavit that is on the outside of the envelope
- Sign the affidavit and have the signature witnessed by either a notary public or two witnesses 18 years of age or older
WITNESSES OR NOTARIZATION
An absentee ballot cannot be counted unless the affidavit is notarized or has the signatures of two witnesses.
The voter has only the following legal ways to return the absentee ballot:
- Forwards the absentee ballot by U.S. Mail
- Forwards the absentee ballot by a commercial carrier
- Personally hands the absentee ballot to the absentee election manager (or delivers by a designee in the case of emergency absentee voting)
VOTING DEADLINE
An absentee ballot returned by mail must be postmarked no later than the day prior to the election and received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day. If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p.m.) on the day prior to the election.
ALASKA
Early and Absentee Voting Options
Early and In Person Voting
- Vote in person– Vote an early or absentee in person ballot beginning 15 days before Election Day at an absentee voting location.
Special Needs Voting
- Vote by personal representative– Unable to vote in person due to age, serious illness or disability? Have a personal representative pick up a ballot for you beginning 15 days before Election Day.
By-Mail Voting
- Apply Now!– Use our paperless Online Absentee Ballot Application. You must have a valid Alaska Driver’s License or State ID to use this option.
- Online Absentee Ballot Application– Find more information about voting by-mail.
Electronic Transmission Voting
- Vote By Fax– Have a ballot sent to you by fax.
- Vote By Online Delivery– Have a ballot sent to you by online delivery.
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
CALIFORNIA
Vote By Mail
On May 8, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-64-20, which, among other things, orders the November 3, 2020, General Election to be conducted as an all-mail ballot election. Accordingly, all registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot in the mail prior to the election
COLORADO
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/UOCAVA_Info/ElectronicBallotApplication-Eng.pdf
Every voter receives a mail ballot. The ballot will be sent to the mailing address you provided for your voter registration file. To check the address on file, or to make any changes to your voter registration visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
CONNECTICUT
Absentee Voting
Can I vote absentee? Connecticut has strict laws regarding who can vote absentee.
- For the August 2020 Presidential and State Primary, all voters can vote by absentee due to the COVID-19 virus, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 7QQ. Just check the COVID-19 box on the application.
- Are you an active member of the armed forces of the United States?
- Will you be out of town during all the hours of voting on Election Day?
- Does illness prevent you from voting in person on Election Day?
- Do your religious beliefs prevent you from performing secular activities like voting on Election Day?
- Will you be performing duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own during all the hours of voting on Election Day?
- Do you have a physical disability that prevents you from voting in person on Election Day?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are eligible to vote absentee.
How do I vote absentee?
For the August 2020 Primary Election, please use the Application for Absentee Ballot:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FLORIDA
https://www.dos.myflorida.com/media/701775/dsde37.pdf
Vote-by-Mail
Vote-by-mail refers to voting a ballot received by mail or picked up by or for a voter instead of going to the polls to vote during early voting period or Election Day. Except on Election Day, no excuse is needed to vote a vote-by-mail ballot (see Who Can Pick Up a Vote-by-Mail Ballot below). Unless otherwise specified, a request to receive a vote-by-mail ballot covers all elections through the end of the calendar year for the second ensuing regularly scheduled general election. A vote-by-mail ballot that is returned undeliverable cancels a request for future elections and must be renewed.
How to Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot Be Mailed
A request for a vote-by-mail ballot may be made in one of the following ways:
- Online application on your county Supervisors of Elections’ website;
- In writing (e.g., by email, fax, mail) to Supervisor of Elections;
- In person at Supervisor of Elections;
- By telephone call to Supervisor of Elections.
To make a request, the following information is required:
- The name of the voter for whom the ballot is being requested;
- The voter’s address;
- The voter’s date of birth; and
- The voter’s signature (if the request is written).
If an immediate family member or legal guardian is requesting a vote-by-mail ballot for a voter, the following additional information must be provided:
- The requestor’s address;
- The requestor’s driver’s license number (if available);
- The requestor’s relationship to the voter; and
- The requestor’s signature (if the request is written).
The deadline to request that a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed is no later than 5 p.m. on the 10th day before the election. However, the ballot must still be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day if the voted ballot is to count. Exceptions exist for overseas military and civilian voters. See Military and Overseas Citizens Voting for further information.
Who Can Pick Up a Vote-by-Mail Ballot
A voter can pick up their own vote-by-mail ballot at any time once the ballot becomes available, including Election Day. However, the voted ballot must be returned and received by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Other return options are available for Military and Overseas Voters.
A voter can designate someone else to pick up their ballot. The designation must be authorized in writing. The earliest a designee can pick up the voter’s ballot is 9 days before Election Day. A designee is limited to picking up vote-by-mail ballots for two other voters per election (not including their own ballot and the ballots for immediate family members). The designee must submit an affidavit to pick-up the voter’s blank ballot. Form DS-DE 37 (English PDF/ Español PDF) is a combination form that includes the affidavit for ballot pick-up, the written authorization for the designee and if a request is not already on record, the voter’s request for a vote-by-mail ballot.
If a voter or designee waits until Election Day to pick up or have delivered a vote-by-mail ballot, the Election Day Vote-by-Mail Ballot Delivery Affidavit (DS-DE 136 – English PDF/ Español PDF) must also be completed. The voter must affirm that an emergency exists that keeps the voter from being able to vote at his or her assigned polling place.
How to Vote a Vote-by-Mail Ballot
Instructions are included with the vote-by-mail ballot. The voted ballot must be returned and received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Other return options are available for Military and Overseas Voters.
If the voter decides to go to the polls to vote instead voting by mail, the voter should bring the vote-by-mail ballot (marked or not). The vote-by-mail ballot will be canceled and the voter can vote a regular ballot at the polls. If the voter comes to the polls without the vote-by-mail ballot, the voter can vote a regular ballot if the supervisor of elections’ office can confirm that it has not received the voter’s vote-by-mail ballot. If it is confirmed that the supervisor of elections office has received the vote-by-mail ballot or it cannot be determined, the voter cannot vote a regular ballot at the polls. However, if a voter believes that he or she has not already voted, he or she shall be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.
A vote-by-mail voter may drop off a voted vote-by-mail ballot at a designated secure drop box at early voting sites in the election. Please contact the county Supervisor of Elections or refer to their website for the location of all the vote-by-mail ballot secure drop boxes in your county.
GEORGIA
ABSENTEE VOTING IN GEORGIA |
The State of Georgia allows absentee voting by mail and in-person. No excuse is required to vote before election day.
ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL
Georgia law allows for absentee by mail ballots to be requested up to 180 days before an election. To request an absentee ballot, voters should complete an absentee ballot application and return the absentee ballot application to their county registration office. Absentee ballot applications can be returned by mail, fax, email (as an attachment), or in-person to the local County Board of Registrar’s Office.
Click here to view a fillable PDF of the Georgia Application for Official Absentee Ballot
Click here to locate the contact information for your County Board of Registrar’s Office
ABSENTEE VOTING IN-PERSON
Georgia law provides three weeks of in-person early voting in regularly scheduled primaries and elections. Click here for early voting locations and times in your county.
HAWAII
HAWAII VOTES BY MAIL
The State of Hawaii passed Act 136, SLH 2019, implementing elections by mail beginning with the 2020 Elections.All properly registered voters will automatically receive a mail ballot packet approximately 18 days prior to the election.
IDAHO
Thank you for your interest in requesting an absentee ballot for the upcoming election. You must be a registered voter to submit an application.
Please note, if you plan to vote using an absentee ballot in the 2020 August Consolidated election held on 08/25/2020, your completed application must be received in the county office by 8:00 PM on 08/14/2020.
If you plan to vote using an absentee ballot in the 2020 November General election held on 11/03/2020, your completed application must be received in the county office by 8:00 PM on 10/23/2020.
Instructions:
- You must have an Idaho Driver’s License or Identification Card and Last 4 digits of Social Security Number to complete the Online Absentee Ballot Request.
- If you do not have one of these ID numbers, you will need to download a paper application and mail it to your County Board of Elections. Otherwise, you may visit your local county elections office.
Click the “BEGIN” button to begin your online absentee request process. Enter your information on each of the following pages. Items marked with an asterisk ( * ) are mandatory.
ILLINOIS
Voting by mail is an option for voters to cast their ballot prior to Election Day. Voters can request a vote by mail ballot through the mail or in person.
The first day to file an application for a vote by mail ballot with the Election Authority is 6/16/2020.
All requests by mail must be received by the Election Authority by 10/29/2020.
All in-person early voting requests must be made by 11/2/2020.
Additional provisions and requirements apply to
Military and Overseas Citizens.
INDIANA
Absentee Voting
Information on Absentee Ballots for the 2020 General Election
Absentee ballots requests can begin to be submitted for the November 2020 General Election on June 16, 2020.
NEW! Currently registered voters can apply for an absentee ballot to vote-by-mail or traveling board by logging in to their my voter portal page on IndianaVoters.com.
To request an absentee-by-mail ballot, please complete this form ABS-Mail 2020 (EnEspanol) and return it to your county election officials. The deadline to return the form is October 22, 2020 by 11:59 p.m. local time.
- All registered voters in Indiana are eligible to vote absentee-in-person at the county election board office beginning 28 days before Election Day. (
- In order to vote absentee-by-mail in the November 3, 2020 election, one of the following must apply (No reason is required to be marked or included when applying for a vote-by-mail ballot in the June 2, 2020, primary election pursuant to IEC Order 2020-37):
- You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6 am until 6 pm).
- You have a disability.
- You are at least 65 years of age.
- You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct.
- You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
- You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
- You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
- You are a participant in the state’s address confidentiality program.
- You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.
- You are a “serious sex offender” as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).
- You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls.
Note:Voters voting absentee-by-mail are NOT required to show photo ID.
- In order to vote absentee-by-traveling board, one of the following must apply:
- The voter expects to be confined, due to illness or injury, or the voter expects to be caring for a confined person at a private residence, on Election Day.
- The voter is a voter with disabilities and believes their polling place is not accessible to them.
- The voter is physically unable to complete the ballot and sign the affidavit on their own.
- The ballot will be delivered to you by a bi-partisan absentee voter board who will be able to assist you with your ballot.
- Voters voting by traveling board are NOT required to show photo ID.
Absentee ballot applications and forms
- ABS-MAIL: Application for Absentee Ballot by Mail Only | EnEspañol
- County email addresses to send in an application for a general election ballot
- ABS-IN PERSON Application for In-Person Absentee Ballot | EnEspañol
- ABS-TRAVELING BOARD
- 2020 Military and Overseas Voter Guide
- Absentee Voter’s Bill of Rights
IOWA
Absentee Voting
COUNTY AUDITOR
DIRECTORY
Any registered voter in Iowa may request an absentee ballot through their county auditor.
- Download an absentee ballot request form
*Signed and completed absentee ballot request
forms must be delivered to your county auditor. - Learn how to request an absentee ballot by mail
- Track Your Absentee Ballot
- Vote an absentee ballot in person
- Information for Military Voters
- Find information for Overseas Civilian Voters
- Find out more information on satellite absentee voting
- Know the requirements for absentee voting at health care facilities
- Find answers to frequently asked questions
KANSAS
https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/AV1.pdf
Advance Voting
Kansas allows voters to cast their ballots through advance voting. Any registered voter can vote by mail or in-person prior to Election Day. To vote by mail, voters should contact their county election officer and request an advance ballot application. Advance ballots are mailed to voters starting 20 days before the election and must be post-marked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after the election. Voters can also hand-deliver their advance ballot to the county election office or any polling location within their county by the close of polls on Election Day. Kansas voters may also vote in person at the county election office starting the Tuesday before Election Day, or up to 20 days before the election, depending on the county. Voters who are ill, disabled or not proficient in English may receive assistance in applying for and casting advance ballots.
COUNTY ELECTION OFFICERS
https://www.sos.ks.gov/elections/county_election_officers_all.aspx
Each of the 105 counties in Kansas has a county election officer responsible for conducting all official elections held in the county. In the four largest counties – Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte – the election officer is the election commissioner, appointed by the secretary of state. For the other 101 counties it is the county clerk, elected by the voters in the county. View a list of what voting system each county uses
KENTUCKY
Absentee Voting
During the 2020 Primary Election, any registered voter may request to receive an absentee ballot in the mail by visiting http://govoteky.com/ and clicking “Absentee Ballot Request”.
Ballots may also be cast using the following methods:
Military, their Dependents, or an Overseas Citizen
Walk-in to clerk’s office by appointment. Find clerk contact info here: https://elect.ky.gov/About-Us/Pages/County-Clerks.aspx
Absentee Voting
During the 2020 Primary Election, any registered voter may request to receive an absentee ballot in the mail by visiting http://govoteky.com/ and clicking “Absentee Ballot Request”.
Ballots may also be cast using the following methods:
Military, their Dependents, or an Overseas Citizen
Walk-in to clerk’s office by appointment. Find clerk contact info here: https://elect.ky.gov/About-Us/Pages/County-Clerks.aspx
LOUISIANA
MAINE
Welcome to the State of Maine Online Absentee Ballot Request Service.
Maine citizens who are registered to vote may use this free service to request an absentee ballot for the
July 14, 2020 State Primary Election. Ballots must be received no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day.
For more information, please visit our Upcoming Elections page.
Select one of the following options:
Uniformed Service & Overseas Voters
Top of Form
Use this option if you are a Uniformed Service or Overseas Voter (also known as a UOCAVA voter). You must be a Maine registered voter and also meet one of the criteria listed below.
You may select the online option below or use the link at the bottom of this section.
- Uniformed service member on active duty or spouse or dependent
View details +
- US Citizen residing outside of the United States
View details +
Already submitted a request? Check the status of your absentee ballot here.
Prefer to mail or fax your request: Print a fillable or blank Federal Post Card Application
Bottom of Form
All Other Voters
Top of Form
Use this option if you are a Maine registered voter and you are not a UOCAVA voter as described in the section to the left.
Prefer to mail or fax your request: Print a fillable or blank PDF request form
Bottom of Form
https://www.maine.gov/online/AbsenteeBallot/ABS-2020-07-14.pdf
MARYLAND
Who may vote by absentee ballot
Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot. You don’t need a reason to vote by absentee ballot. It’s another way to vote if you don’t want to or can’t go to an early voting center or your polling place.
If you do not know if you are registered to vote, use the online voter look-up to find out. If you are not registered to vote, find out how to register to vote.
How do I request an Absentee ballot
2020 Presidential Primary Election
All registered and eligible voters will automatically receive a ballot in the mail. We will mail the ballot to the address we have on file.
You must be registered with the Democratic or Republican parties to vote for President and most other contests. If you are not registered with either party, you may only be eligible to vote for school board candidates if your jurisdiction has a school board election this year. You can check your registration status and party registration here.
If you would like your ballot delivered to you electronically or want your ballot mailed to a different address, please submit a request. You can submit a request online or via paper form. If you use a paper form, read the instructions, enter the required information, print the form, sign it, and return it to your local board of elections. You can return it by mail, fax, or email (scanned as attachment).
- Online if you have a Maryland’s driver’s license or MVA-issued ID card.
- Absentee ballot application for 2020 elections (PDF)
- Solicitud de Papeleta de Votante Ausente para las Elecciones del 2020 (PDF)
MASSACHUSETTS
Absentee Voting
Download an absentee ballot application
Absentee Ballot Application (PDF)
Peticion de VotoenAusencia (PDF)
ពាក្យសុំសន្លឹកឆ្នោតសម្រាប់អ្នកបោះឆ្នោតអវត្តមាន (PDF)
缺席選票申請 (PDF)
If you do not have a pdf reader, please download and install Adobe Reader in order to view and print the above applications.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to vote by absentee ballot in Massachusetts, a voter must be prevented from voting at their polling place on Election Day, due to:
- Absence from the voter’s city or town on Election Day; or
- Physical disability; or
- Religious belief.
Early voting is available for biennial state elections.
For more information about how COVID-19 affects absentee ballot eligibility, please see our page on COVID-19 Election Updates.
Applying for Absentee Ballots
Absentee ballots must be requested in writing by either the voter or the voter’s family member. For convenience, absentee ballot applications may be downloaded from this page; however, any written communication evidencing a desire for an absentee ballot is acceptable. If you would like to request an absentee ballot, you may submit an application or a signed letter to your local election official. If you are requesting an absentee ballot for a family member, be sure to submit the request to the voter’s local election official.
When completing the application, you may indicate whether you are requesting a ballot for a specific election, or if you will be needing a ballot for all elections this year. Please note that absentee ballot applications expire at the end of each calendar year. If you are a voter with a permanent physical disability, you may file a note from your doctor to that effect with your local election official. Voters with permanent physical disabilities are sent completed applications at the beginning of each year, to be signed and returned to their local election official.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by your local election office by 12 p.m. on the day before the election, unless the day before the election is a holiday or a Sunday, in which case the application must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the last business day before the election.
Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, fax, or by e-mail; however, the local election official must be able to view the signature of the person requesting the ballot. If the application is being submitted by e-mail, a scanned copy of the request must be submitted.
Contact information for local election officials may be found here.
Voting
If you are voting by mail, you should be sure to submit your application in a timely manner. Please allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you and for you to return the ballot by Election Day. All ballots being mailed from inside the United States must be received by your local election official no later than the close of polls on Election Day.
If you would like to vote in person, you may do so in the office of your local election official. In-person absentee voting should be arranged ahead of time.
When Absentee Ballots are Counted
Except for ballots which are rejected as defective, all absentee ballots are cast and counted by the poll workers on Election Day. Absentee ballots are included in the final tallies, and are counted whether or not an election contains a close race.
MICHIGAN
Absentee voting allows you to vote by mail
All registered voters in Michigan have the right to vote by mail. It’s a safe way to vote and protect your health, and the process is secure and accurate.
To vote by mail, fill out the simple application located on this page, print and sign it, and then mail or email it to your local clerk (you can find their address and email here). When filling out the application, if you check the box to be added to the permanent absent voter list, you’ll get an application mailed to you before every election. But there’s no commitment. Even if you apply to vote by mail, you can change your mind and vote in person.
Absent voter ballot applications
- Apply online **NEW**
- Download an absent voter ballot application
- Download an absent voter ballot application – Fillable Version
- Download an absent voter ballot application – Spanish/Español
- Download an absent voter ballot application – Large Print Version
- Click here for the accessible absent voter ballot application
- Click here to locate your clerk then send your absent voter ballot application to that office
All registered voters are eligible to vote by mail
Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.
Check your voter registration at Michigan Voter Information Center Michigan.gov/Vote
Requesting an absent voter ballot
Your request for an absent voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to your city or township clerk. (For assistance in obtaining the address of your city or township clerk, see Michigan.gov/Vote) You must request an absent voter ballot by submitting the application, large print application, a letter, a postcard, or a pre-printed application form obtained from your local clerk’s office. Requests may be returned by hand, via postal mail, fax, or email, as long as a signature is visible.
Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day prior to the election. If you’re registering to vote or updating your address by appearing at your clerk’s office on Election Day, you can request an absent voter ballot at the same time you register. If you request your AV ballot the day before the election or on Election Day, you must vote the ballot in the clerk’s office.
Once your request is received by the local clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. You must be a registered voter to receive an absent voter ballot, but you can register and apply for an absent voter ballot at the same time. Requests for absent voter ballots are processed immediately. Absent voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city or township of residence.
After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot to your clerk’s office.
If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absent voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absent voter ballots has passed but before 4 p.m. on Election Day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absent voter ballot. Please contact your local clerk for more information about emergency absent voter ballots.
MISSOURI
2020 Voting Options
During the August primary and November general elections in 2020, Missouri voters will be eligible to cast ballots by mail with notarization of the ballot envelope, and voters in at-risk categories for contracting or transmitting COVID-19 are eligible to vote by absentee ballot without obtaining notarization. A two-page summary of your options is linked below, and links to the revised absentee application and mail-in ballot application are available below.
Links
Absentee and Mail-in Ballot Informational Flyers
Local Election Authority Contact Information
Request for Missouri Absentee or Mail-In Ballot – August 4, 2020 Primary Election
Request for Missouri Absentee Ballot
Request for Missouri Mail-In Ballot
Application forms for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the November 3, 2020, General Election will be available on this page on August 18, 2020. If you have any questions, please call 800-669-8683.
MINNESOTA
OTHER WAYS TO VOTE
Vote early (absentee)
In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day. You can request an absentee ballot online. Read about other options and more information about absentee voting at the links below.
Vote from military or abroad
Military and voters living abroad can use a special process to vote absentee.
Track your absentee ballot
Track the status of your ballot or confirm that it was received back and accepted without problem.
Mail ballot precincts
Some cities and towns can hold elections by mail instead of voting at polling places.
Have an agent pick up your ballot (agent delivery)
In special situations, you may ask an agent to pick up and return an absentee ballot for you. This is called ‘agent delivery.’ Learn more about agent delivery.
VOTE EARLY BY MAIL
To vote by mail, apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. You do not need to be registered to apply.
Read before you apply
For your ballot to count, remember this important information:
- Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.
- Your signature envelope might have a box for a witness to complete and sign. Due to COVID19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the August 11, 2020 State Primary. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.
- Mail the ballot and forms back right away after you finish. Your returned ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day (August 11, 2020) and received by your county by the day before the county canvass, which may take place on the second or third day following the election.
MISSISSIPPI
MONTANA
HOW TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT
Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot:
- Fill out an Application for Absentee Ballot to have ballots for which you are eligible automatically mailed to you.
- An application may be mailed, or dropped off at the county election office.
- Applications must be received by the county election office by noon the day before the election. If you drop off the application you will be able to pick up the absentee ballot at the same time, once ballots are available.
- An absentee voting packet will be mailed to the address you indicated on your application, or you can pick up the packet at the county election office at the time you apply for the absentee ballot, if ballots are available at that time.
- After voting the absentee ballot, return in the envelope(s) provided. READ INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THE PACKET CAREFULLY.
- Be sure to sign the affirmation on the signature envelope before sending back or dropping off. Note: The person to whom the ballot was issued must be the person signing the return envelope.
- You can track your absentee ballot for federal/state elections at My Voter Page.
For more information about voting, call your local election office or call the Secretary of State’s toll-free voter hotline: 1-888-884-VOTE (8683)
NEBRASKA
Voter Forms
Voter Registration Form
Voter Registration Form – Fillable PDF | Non-fillable PDF
Click here for Voter Registration FAQ
Early Voting Form
Early Voting Form – Fillable PDF | Non-fillable PDF
Click here for Early Voting FAQ
(These forms can be filled out online, but must be printed and mailed to your county election official)
NEVADA
https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/elections/voters/absentee-voting
Election Forms
Requesting an Absent Ballot
Any registered voter may request to vote by mail. To request an absent ballot, you must complete and submit an Absent Ballot Request Form to the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters in the county where you are registered to vote. If you are a resident of Clark County, you may obtain the form from their website at http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.
Permanent Absent Ballot
A registered voter who provides sufficient written notice to the appropriate county clerk may request that the registered voter receive an absent ballot for all elections at which the registered voter is eligible to vote. If you relocate to a different county within Nevada and you wish to continue to receive a Permanent Absent Ballot, you must re-register to vote in the new county and resubmit a Permanent Absent Ballot request with the County Clerk or Registrar of Voters office.
Deadline for Requesting an Absent Ballot
A request to vote an absent ballot must be received by your local county election official no later than 5 p.m. on the fourteenth calendar day preceding an election. However, absent ballot requests should be submitted as early as possible to allow enough time to receive, mark, and return your absent ballot by the deadline. If returned in person, absent ballots must be dropped off by 7 p.m. on Election Day. If returned by mail, absent ballots must be postmarked by Election Day. Absent ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received no later than 7 days after the election will be counted.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Absentee Voter Forms
ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION used for 2020 Elections | Fill-In Application for 2020 Elections |
TOWN OR CITY ELECTIONS | SPECIAL ELECTIONS
Federal Post Card Application for Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request (FPCA) (available for UOCAVA voters only)
Ballot Instructions for Absentee Voters
Absentee Voters Instructions – Primary or General Election
Hand Count Ballots AND Ballots Counted by Electronic Voting Device
NEW JERSEY
Vote By Mail
Information about the Vote By Mail Ballot Applications for the July 7, 2020 Primary Election
Pursuant to the federal “Help America Vote Act of 2002″ (HAVA), if you registered to vote by mail in your county after January 1, 2003, and never voted in a federal election in the county, you were required to provide your county commissioner of registration with identification.
Whenever a person delivers a ballot to the county board, that person shall provide proof of the person’s identity in the form of a New Jersey driver’s license, or another form of identification issued or recognized as official by the federal government, the State, or any of its subdivisions, providing the identification carries the full address and signature of the person. The person shall sign a record maintained by the county of all mail-in ballots personally delivered to it.
A voter may vote by mail by completing the Application for Vote by Mail Ballot (listed below) and returning the application to their County Clerk.
To receive your ballot by mail, the application must be received by the County Clerk 7 days prior to the election.
A voter may also apply in person to the County Clerk prior to 8:00 P.M. the day of the election.
The County Clerk cannot accept faxed or emailed copies of a Application for Vote by Mail Ballot, unless you are a Military or Overseas Voter, since an original signature is required.
NEW MEXICO
Once you enter the required information, you will be able to view:
- Your voter registration information
- Your voting locations
- Your sample ballot
- Your absentee application and ballot status
- Your county clerk’s contact information
NEW YORK
Absentee Voting
Qualifications to Vote by Absentee Ballot (Deadlines)
- Absent from your county or, if a resident of New York City absent from said city, on Election Day.
- Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability; or because you are the primary care giver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled.
- A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital.
- Detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.
How to Vote by Absentee Ballot (Deadlines)
- Applications for Absentee Ballots are available at your county board of elections.i
- You may also download a PDF version of the New York State Absentee Ballot Application Form
- Upon completion, applications must be mailed to your county board no later than the seventh day before the election or delivered in person no later than the day before the election.
- You may also request an Absentee Ballot by sending a letter to your county board of elections. The letter must be received by your county board no earlier than 30 days and no later than seven days before the election. The letter must contain the following information:
- the address where you are registered
- an address where the ballot is to be sent
- the reason for the request, and
- the signature of the voter
If you apply by letter, an application form will be mailed with your ballot. The application form must be completed and returned with your ballot.
If you cannot pick up your ballot, or will not be able to receive it through the mail, you have the right to designate someone to pick it up for you. Only that person designated on your application may pick up and deliver your ballot.
If you are permanently ill or disabled, you have the right to receive an Absentee Ballot for each subsequent election without further application. Simply file an application with your county board of elections indicating permanent illness or physical disability. You will then automatically receive an absentee ballot for every election until your registration is canceled.
NORTH CAROLINA
Absentee Voting in North Carolina
- Any North Carolina registered voter qualified to vote in an election may request and receive a mail-in absentee ballot for any election in which absentee voting is allowed. All registered voters may request an absentee ballot for the November 2020 general election.
- No special circumstance or reason is needed to receive and vote a mail-in absentee ballot.
- Most voters who want to vote by mail must request a ballot for each election.
- Military or overseas voters have special rights under the Uniform and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). See fvap.govand the Military and Overseas Voters page for more information on military and overseas citizens absentee voting.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
Who may Request an Absentee Ballot?
- To receive a mail-in absentee ballot for an election, a voter or the voter’s near relative (spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, stepparent, or stepchild) or legal guardian, or any member of a multipartisan assistance team (MAT) authorized to assist voters, must first use the State Absentee Ballot Request Formto request the ballot.
Assistance Requesting an Absentee Ballot
- Voters who are blind or disabled, or who cannot read or write may receive assistance in completing the request form. Effective July 1 for the 2020 general election, any member of a multipartisan assistance team, or MAT team, may assist any voter in completing a State Absentee Ballot Request Form.MAT team members may also deliver a completed request form to the county board of elections and serve as a witness for the casting of an absentee ballot.
- If the assistance is provided by someone other than a near relative or legal guardian, that person’s name and address must be listed on the State Absentee Ballot Request Form.
Returning the Absentee Ballot Request Form
For the November 2020 general election, completed State Absentee Ballot Request Forms may be emailed, faxed or hand-delivered to the voter’s county board of elections by one of the following:
- the voter;
- the voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian; or
- a member of a multipartisan assistance team (MAT).
Forms delivered by any other person will not be processed.
Completed absentee ballot request forms may also be delivered by mail by the U.S. Postal Service or designated delivery service authorized pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 7502(f).
A signed and completed State Absentee Ballot Request Form must be received by the county board of elections office no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before the date of the election for which the ballot is being requested.
Requests received after the absentee request deadline will not be deemed timely, regardless of any postmark date.
Requests forms delivered by the deadline to the State Board will be considered timely. In the interest of ensuring that county boards of elections are able to promptly process voters’ absentee requests, we strongly recommend that forms be submitted to the appropriate county board of elections.
2020 Deadlines for Requesting an Absentee Ballot
- November General Election:By 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020
NORTH DAKOTA
OHIO
* INFORMATION NEEDED TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT
You may use the application form prescribed by the Secretary of State (Form 11-A) or provided to you by your county board of elections to apply for your absentee ballot. If you choose not to use the prescribed form, your written application need not be in any particular format, but it must contain all of the following information:
- Your name;
- Your legal signature;
- The address at which you are registered to vote;
- Your date of birth;
- One of the following items showing proof of your identification:
- Your Ohio driver’s license number (begins with two letters followed by six numbers);
- The last four digits of your Social Security number; or
- A copy of a current and valid photo identification, a military identification, or a current (within the last 12 months) utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document (other than a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections) that shows the voter’s name and current address.
- A statement identifying the election for which you are requesting an absentee ballot;
- A statement that you are a qualified elector;
- If the request is for a partisan primary election ballot, your political party affiliation; and
- If you want the ballot to be mailed to a different address than where you are registered, the address to which you want it mailed.
ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL
https://www.sos.state.oh.us/globalassets/elections/forms/11-a_english.pdf
All Ohio voters whose registration information is up-to-date have the opportunity to vote in any election from the convenience of their own homes by requesting an absentee ballot. Absentee voting has many benefits — You can vote early, it is convenient, it reduces the chance of lines at the polls on Election Day, and absentee ballots are the first votes counted on Election Night. Voters need only fill out and return an application and their absentee ballot will be mailed to them so they may make their selections at their leisure and return their ballot to the board of elections ahead of Election Day.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is three days before the election in which you want to vote, but voters can submit their application any time. If mailed, absentee ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election in order to be counted. You can also return your absentee ballot in-person to your county board of elections before the close of the polls at 7:30pm on Election Day.
You can request your ballot for each individual election beginning on January 1 or 90 days before the date of an election, whichever is earlier, but you must complete and submit a separate application for each election in which you want to vote. Your request must be received by your local county board of elections by noon the third day before the election (usually a Saturday). However, you should submit your request as far in advance of the election as possible to ensure there is sufficient time for the board to mail you a ballot and for you to timely return that ballot.
STEPS TO REQUEST AND VOTE AN ABSENTEE BALLOT:
- Complete the absentee ballot request form*.
- Once you have completed your application by providing all of the required information print and sign it.
- Mail the request form back to your own county board of elections.
- Wait to receive your ballot in the mail from your county board of elections. If you have questions about your absentee ballot request, you should call your county board of elections or you can track the status of your ballot request as well as your voted absentee ballot through the Voter Toolkit.
- Return your voted ballot.You can send it by S. Mail or deliver it in person to your county board of elections, but the return envelope containing your marked ballot must either be received by your county board of elections prior to the close of the polls on Election Day, or postmarked no later than the day before the election and received by the board of elections no later than 10 days after the election.
To make sure your absentee ballot is counted, it must be received by your board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day OR be postmarked by the day before Election Day.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) estimates that it may take two to five days for your voted absentee ballot to be delivered to your board of elections by mail.
If you are returning your voted ballot during the week before Election Day, you should take it to USPS no later than the day before Election Day and ensure it receives a postmark as follows:
-
- If you use a postage label purchased at a USPS customer service window or vending machine, the date on the label is the postmark. This is the USPS-recommended way to postmark your ballot.
- If you use postage stamps, ask that it be postmarked.
OKLAHOMA
Absentee Voting in Oklahoma
Attention Notaries Public: Absentee Voting Frequently Asked Questions for Notaries Public |
Absentee voting is an easy and convenient way to exercise your right to vote.
Any registered voter in Oklahoma may vote by absentee ballot. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee.
FIND FREE ABSENTEE VOTER SERVICES
Find Free Absentee Voter Services
Many financial institutions and other organizations across Oklahoma are offering free absentee voter services to assist voters with absentee ballot affidavit verification. Learn more about options for absentee ballot affidavit verification for the June 30 Primary Election at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voter_Verification.html
Financial Institutions Offering Free Absentee Voter Services – updated daily
Other Businesses/Organizations Offering Free Absentee Voter Services – updated daily
To list your absentee voter services, please contact your County Election Board.
New Options for Absentee Voter Verification During COVID-19 State of Emergency
New COVID-19 Criteria Qualify As “Physically Incapacitated” Voter for Absentee Voting
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Absentee Ballot Harvesting
APPLY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS ONLINE
DOWNLOAD AN ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORM
*Note: If you are a Uniformed Services Member, spouse, dependent or Overseas Citizens you must apply for absentee ballots using the OK Voter Portal or go to http://www.fvap.gov/ to download and complete the Federal Post Card Application.
OREGON
Oregon has the most convenient voting system in the country. Since adopting vote-by-mail, Oregon consistently ranks as a national leader in voter turnout.
Registered voters receive a ballot two to three weeks before an election, giving time to research issues or candidates.
Voters also receive an official ballot to complete and insert into the security envelope which is placed in the ballot return envelope and signed by the voter. The ballot return envelope can be stamped and mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state. If a voter casts their ballot after the Wednesday before an election, the ballot should be left at a drop box site to ensure it’s counted.
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
PENNSYLVANIA
What are mail ballots?
In Pennsylvania, you now have two options for mail ballots. You may either choose a mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot to request, complete, and return to your county election office.
- Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness, you should request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.
- Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.
In order to request either ballot type, you must be registered to vote. Please visit Check Your Registration Status to review your registration information
How do I apply for a mail-in ballot?
Option 1: Apply for a Mail-in Ballot Online
Apply Online at VotesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot
Registered voters can apply for a mail-in ballot online with a valid PA driver’s license or photo I.D. from the PA Depar
tment of Transportation (PennDOT).
Military and overseas voters should visit the information for military and overseas voters web page for information on how they can obtain an absentee ballot.
Option 2: Apply for a Mail-in Ballot by mail
Step 1: Complete a paper mail-in ballot application:
Download and print a mail-in ballot application:
- You can contact your county election office directly to request a paper application.
- Or you can contact the Department of State to request an application by emailing ra-voterreg@pa.gov or calling 1-877-VOTESPA.
Step 2: Mail your application:
Send your mail-in ballot application to the county election office. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is one week before the election.
Military and overseas voters should visit the information for military and overseas voters web page for information on how they can obtain an absentee ballot.
Other ways to request a mail-in ballot
- Apply in person at your county election office. Once your county’s ballot is finalized and available, you may request and promptly receive your mail-in ballot.
Contact your county election office for more information.
RHODE ISLAND
Mail in ballot application
https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Content/Pdfs/General%20Mail%20Ballot%20Application%2011-3-2020.pdf
Step to Voting by Mail in Rhode Island
STEP
1
Apply For A Mail Ballot
Download the mail ballot application or contact your local board of canvassers to request one.
Primary Mail Ballot Application – Due on August 18, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
General Election Mail Ballot Application – Due on October 13, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
Submit your mail ballot application to your local board of canvassers.
STEP
2
Receive Your Mail Ballot
You will receive your mail ballot packet to the address listed on your application. Your mail ballot packet includes:
Your ballot
Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate envelope
Voting instructions sheet
Postage paid return envelope
I voted sticker
If you do not receive your mail ballot, call the Elections Division at 401-222-2340.
STEP
3
Mark Your Mail Ballot
Completely fill the oval next to your choice(s) using a pen. Black ink preferred.
To vote for a candidate whose name is not on the ballot, fill in the oval to the left of “Write-in” and print the name clearly in the box.
If you make a mistake while marking your ballot do not cross out, instead call the Elections Division at 401-222-2340 or TDD 711 to make arrangements to receive a replacement ballot.
STEP
4
Complete Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate
- Insert voted ballot into envelope.
- Print your name.
- Sign the envelope. This signature will be compared to your mail ballot application. Optional: Print your RI DL/State ID or last 4 digits of SSN.
- Print your telephone number/email address in case there are questions pertaining to your Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate.
STEP
5
Mail Or Hand-Deliver Your Ballot
Place completed mail ballot certificate envelope addressed to the:
Rhode Island Board of Elections
P.O.Box 6128
Providence, RI 02940
Hand Deliver to:
2000 Plainfield Pike, Suite A
Cranston, RI 02920
The Board of Elections must receive your mail ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Absentee Voting
Absentee request application
https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=AbsenteeRequest
Recent Absentee Changes
- For June elections only, including the Statewide Primaries and Runoffs, all voters are qualified to vote absentee by choosing Reason 18 – State of Emergency on the absentee application.
- For the June 2020 Primaries and Runoffs only, voters are no longer required to have their absentee by mail ballot return envelope witnessed.
- County election officials may begin opening absentee by mail envelopes beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the day before any election.
Procedures for voting by absentee ballot:
Qualified voters (see below) may vote absentee in person or by mail.
In Person
Visit the county voter registration office in your county of residence, complete an application, and cast your ballot. You may vote absentee in person up until 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election. Rules for photo ID required to vote at the polling place apply.
Additional in-person absentee locations are available in some counties for some elections.
By Mail
Follow these steps to vote absentee by mail. Photo ID is not required to vote absentee by mail.
Step 1: Get an absentee application in one of two ways:
- Get the application online.Use this link to get your application or the application of an immediate family member online. To get your application online, you must be able to print your application or save your application for printing later. You can also use this link to access your application to print again.
- Request an application for yourself or your immediate family member from the county voter registration office in your county of residence by phone, mail, email, or fax. You will be mailed an application.
See complete rules below on requesting applications for other voters.
Step 2: You’ve now printed your application online or received your application in the mail. You must now complete and sign the application and return it to your county voter registration office. You should return the application as soon as possible but no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 4th day prior to the election (the 4th day is Friday for all Tuesday elections). You may return the application by mail, email, fax, or personal delivery.
Step 3: Receive your absentee ballot in the mail.
Step 4: Vote the ballot following ballot instructions and return it to the county voter registration office in your county of residence by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election. You may return the ballot personally or by mail. You may also have another person return the ballot for you, but you must first complete an authorization to return absentee ballot form, available from your county voter registration office.
Persons qualified to vote by absentee ballot:
- Members of the Armed Forces (click here for additional information)
- Members of the Merchant Marine (click here for additional information)
- Spouses and dependents residing with members of the Armed Forces or Merchant Marine (click here for additional information)
- Persons serving with the American Red Cross or with the United Service Organizations (USO) who are attached to and serving with the Armed Forces outside their county of residence and their spouses and dependents residing with them (click here for additional information)
- Citizens residing overseas (click here for additional information)
- Persons who are physically disabled (includes illnesses and injuries)
- Students attending school outside their county of residence and their spouses and dependents residing with them
- Persons who for reasons of employment will not be able to vote on election day
- Government employees serving outside their county of residence on Election Day and their spouses and dependents residing with them
- Persons who plan to be on vacation outside their county of residence on Election Day
- Persons serving as a juror in state or federal court on Election Day
- Persons admitted to the hospital as emergency patients on Election Day or within a four-day period before the election
- Persons with a death or funeral in the family within three days before the election
- Persons confined to a jail or pre-trial facility pending disposition of arrest or trial
- Persons attending sick or physically disabled persons
- Certified poll watchers, poll managers, and county election officials working on Election Day
- Persons sixty-five years of age or older
- State of Emergency (June 2020 elections only)
- Persons who for religious reasons do not want to vote on a Saturday (Presidential Primaries Only)
Check the Status of Your Absentee Ballot
Absentee Voting Procedures for Residential Care Facilities
Who Can Request an Application/Return an Absentee Ballot
- Voters may request an absentee ballot in person, by phone (except authorized representatives), by mail, or by contacting your county voter registration office in the county in which you are registered. County Voter Registration Contact Information.
- The voter, a member of the voter’s immediate family, or the voter’s authorized representative may request the absentee ballot application. An authorized representative is a registered voter who, with a voter’s permission, can request an absentee ballot application on behalf of a voter who qualifies because of illness or disability. Candidates and paid campaign workers may not serve as authorized representatives.
- Voters admitted to the hospital as an emergency patient on the day of the election or within four days of the election can have an immediate family member apply and carry a ballot to the voter.
- To have your absentee ballot returned by a person other than yourself, it is necessary for the absentee voter to compete an “Authorization to Return Absentee Ballot Form”. The absentee voter completes Part I, and the person returning the ballot completes Part II of the form. Candidates and paid campaign workers may not return absentee ballots unless they are an immediate family member of the voter.
Additional Absentee Voting Rules
- Your completed absentee ballot must be placed in the “Ballots Herein” envelope provided with your absentee ballot. The “Ballots Herein” envelope will then be placed inside a “Return Envelope” which you must sign and have witnessed before returning (witness signature not required for June 2020 Primaries and Runoffs).
- State law requires the voter to sign the application for an absentee ballot and oath on the envelope used to return the absentee ballot. A “power of attorney” is not applicable for voting. Voters unable to write because of physical handicap or illiteracy may receive help in applying for and marking their ballot. The voter must make his/her mark and have the mark witnessed by someone chosen by the voter.
- For more information regarding voter registration and absentee voting, contact your County Voter Registration Office.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Absentee voting by MAIL STEP 1: All voters who vote absentee by mail or want to take their ballot with them from your office to vote it at home, will have to submit to you the absentee ballot application 5:02:10:01. STEP 2: This application* must include a copy of the voter’s ID OR the voter’s signature on the application must be notarized. You must have the original signature of the voter on this application and the application cannot be faxed or emailed to you unless that voter is a Uniformed and Overseas Voter covered under the UOCAVA act (see UOCAVA section below). *A voter would still be eligible to receive a ballot even if the two questions related to receiving a municipal or school ballot are not answered. The answers to these questions may be used if a voter is challenged. STEP 3: Verify that the voter is registered to vote within your jurisdiction. If the voter is registered with an “inactive status,” you must give them a voter registration application. They need to complete that and return it to you in a separate envelope from the absentee ballot. STEP 4: Enter the required information into the Absentee Log 5:02:10:06. Contents of the log can be found on page 5. STEP 5: Mail the following items to the voter or the voter may carry these out and vote the ballot and return it to you. • The absentee ballot is the regular ballot you will also use on Election Day. DO NOT put the official ballot stamp on the ballot before sending it. • Envelope for sending the ballot to the voter 5:02:10:03 • Instructions to absentee voters 5:02:10:04 • Official return envelope for ballots used in voting 5:02:10:05 (you are not required to put postage on this). • If you are sending to a UOCAVA voter, you use this envelope 5:02:10:08 (this is postage paid). • The official return envelope for UOCAVA voters is also found in 5:02:10:08 (this is postage paid). NOTES: • A voter voting by absentee may return the voted ballot back to you however he/she chooses – mail, drop off inperson, have another person drop it off, etc. • You are not required to pay for the postage for a voter to mail his/her absentee ballot back to you. • A power of attorney is not allowed for absentee voting or for voter registration.
TENNESSEE
https://sos-tn-gov-files.tnsosfiles.com/2020%20Absentee%20Request%20-%20August.pdf
- Am I eligible to vote absentee by-mail?
You can vote absentee by-mail if you fall under one of the following categories:
- You will be outside the county where you are registered during the early voting period and all day on Election Day.
- You or your spouse are a full-time student in an accredited college or university outside the county where you are registered.
- You are on the permanent absentee list (see question 4 below).
- You reside in a nursing home, assisted living facility or home for the aged outside your county of residence.
- You will be unable to vote in-person due to jury duty.
- You are sixty (60) years of age or older.
- You have a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place.
- You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled and unable to appear at your polling place to vote; and/or you have determined it is impossible or unreasonable to vote in-person due to the COVID-19 situation.
- You are the caretaker of a person who is hospitalized, ill, or disabled, and/or you have determined it is impossible or unreasonable to vote in-person due to the COVID-19 situation.
- You are a candidate for office in the election.
- You serve as an Election Day official or as a member or employee of the election commission.
- You are observing a religious holiday that prevents you from voting in person during the early voting period and on Election Day.
- You or your spouse possess a valid commercial drivers license (CDL) or Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card and you will be working outside the state or county of registration during the open hours of early voting and Election Day and have no specific out-of-county or out-of-state address to which mail may be sent or received during such time.
- You are a member of the military or are an overseas citizen. read more …
- How can I request an absentee by-mail ballot?
You must submit a written request containing the information below to your local county election commission office by the seventh day before Election Day. You can use the absentee ballot request form to make sure all required information is provided.
You can submit your written request for an absentee ballot by mail, fax, or e-mail. If e-mailing your request, be sure the attached document contains the information below and your scanned signature.
- Name of the registered voter
- Address of the voter’s residence
- Voter’s social security number
- Voter’s date of birth
- Address to mail the ballot
- The election in which the voter wishes to participate. If the election involves a primary, the political party in which the voter wishes to participate.
- Reason the voter wishes to vote absentee. If applicable, a copy of the CDL containing the CDL number or the TWIC card must be included in the voter’s request.
- Voter’s signature
A request that contains this information will be processed and a ballot will be mailed to the voter.
NOTICE: A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class E felony if such person gives an application for an absentee ballot to any person or commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person gives an unsolicited request for application for absentee ballot to any person. T.C.A. § 2-6-202(c)(3) and (4).
- What if I do not provide all of the information required on the absentee by-mail ballot application?
The county election commission will return the application to you so you can make corrections and resubmit your application.
- Do I qualify for the permanent absentee list?
You will receive an application for ballot for each election if your licensed physician signs a statement stating that, in the their judgment, you are medically unable to vote in person. The statement must be filed not less than seven (7) days before the election and signed under the penalty of perjury.
- When can I request my ballot?
You may request an absentee by-mail ballot no earlier than ninety (90) days before the election and no later than seven (7) days before the election. To be processed for the next election, the application must be received by the election commission no later than seven (7) days before the election.
The deadline for the August 6 election is Thursday, July 30.
Requests for the November presidential election cannot be received until August 5.
- What if I do not receive or ruin my ballot and can no longer use it?
You should notify your county election commission.
7.What is the deadline to return my ballot so it can be counted?
You must mail your ballot in time for your county election commission to receive it no later than the close of polls on Election Day.
- Can I hand deliver my ballot to the election office?
No. You must return your ballot by mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.).
- Is any additional information if I registered to vote by mail?
Unless you are on the permanent absentee voting register or enrolled in the Safe at Home program, you must appear in-person to vote in the first election after you have registered by mail. If you have already voted in-person since you registered, then no additional information will be required to vote by mail.
TEXAS
To be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you must:
- be 65 years or older;
- be disabled;
- be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or
- be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.
Instructions for submitting an Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”):
- Print (PDF) the ABBM form
- OR submit an order online and an ABBM will be mailed to you.
- Complete Sections 1 through 8.
- Sign and Date Section 10.
- If you were unable to sign the application and someone witnessed your signature, that person must complete Section 11.
- If someone helped you complete the application or mailed the application for you, that person must complete Section 11.
- Affix postage.
- If you printed the application you must place it in your own envelope and add postage.
- If you ordered the application online and it was mailed to you – fold the application in half, moisten top tab, seal and add postage.
- Address and mail the completed ABBM to the Early Voting Clerk in your county. You may also fax the application if a fax machine is available in the early voting clerk’s office. You also have the option of submitting a scanned copy of the completed and signed application to the Early Voting Clerk via email. If an ABBM is faxed or emailed, then the original, hard copy of the application MUST be mailed and received by the early voting clerk no later than the 4th business day.
- The Early Voting Clerk is the County Clerk or Elections Administrator for your county
- Contact information, including fax numbers if available, and email addresses for the Early Voting Clerks are available on this website.
NOTICE: DO NOT MAIL, FAX, OR EMAIL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS FOR BALLOT BY MAIL TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE. ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THIS OFFICE WILL BE REJECTED.
Military and overseas voters are welcome to use the regular registration and early voting by mail process available to all voters away from their home county on Election Day. However, there are also special provisions for military and overseas voters.
For more information, please read the Early Voting in Texas pamphlet.
UTAH
Regarding Address Updates
In order to register online to vote, your address must match the address on file with the Driver License Division.
If your driver license address is not current, please update your address with the Driver License Division. This must be done before submitting your online voter registration.
After updating your address please allow 24 hours before returning to register to vote online.
If your address is not current with DLD you may still use the online voter registration system, but you will be required to print the voter form with the correct address, sign it and mail it in.
VERMONT
Early & Absentee Voting
In Vermont, we make it easy to vote. If you prefer to vote early or by mail you can! Voting starts as soon as ballots are available—not later than 45 days before the primary or general election and 20 days prior to a municipal election that uses the Australian ballot.
Request your ballot:
Onlinehttps://mvp.vermont.gov/
Paperhttps://sos.vermont.gov/media/3opimqn2/vtabsenteerequestgeneric.pdf
If you have any questions about early or absentee voting, please call or visit your town clerk. If you need additional assistance you can email the Elections Division at sos.elections@vermont.gov, or call 800-439-VOTE.
Deadlines
All early voter absentee ballot requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. or by the close of the town clerk’s office on the day before the election.
All ballots must be returned to the town clerk’s office before the close of the office on the day before the election, or to the polling place before 7 p.m. on the day of the election, in order to be counted.
In-home Ballot Delivery
If you are sick or have a disability, a ballot can be delivered to your home on Election Day. You may request an absentee ballot up until 5 p.m. on the day before the election. Two justices of the peace (of different parties when possible) will deliver a ballot to you, and then will bring the ballot back to the polling place so that it can be placed in the ballot box and counted.
Additional Application Info
An early or absentee voter, or an authorized family member or health care provider acting in the voter’s behalf, may apply for an early voter absentee ballot by telephone, in person, or in writing. “Family member” means a person’s spouse, children, brothers, sisters, parents, spouse’s parents, grandparents, and spouse’s grandparents.
Any other authorized person may apply in writing or in person; provided, however, that voter authorization to such a person shall not be given by response to a robotic phone call. An authorized person must identify the organization they work with, if applicable.
An early or absentee voter may also apply for their ballot online at their My Voter Page.
Absentee ballots for the August 11, 2020, statewide primary will be available not later than June 29, 2020. Absentee ballots for the November 3, 2020, general election will be available not later than September 21, 2020. Ballots for local elections—town meeting elections by Australian ballot—are available 20 days prior to the election. You can, however, request ballots at any point during the year leading up to the election. We strongly recommend that military or overseas voters request an early or absentee ballot at least 45 days prior to the election.
Requests for an early voter absentee ballot can be made at any time until 5 p.m., or by the time of closing of the town clerk’s office on the last day that the clerk has regular hours before the election. The request can be made at the same time the person registers to vote.
A single request may be made for absentee ballots for town meeting, and the primary and general elections, if the “mail to” address is the same for all three elections. Please note that a request must be made every election year.
The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) from the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) will be considered a request for ballots for both the primary and general elections.
VIRGINIA
HOW TO VOTE
When voting in-person, you will be asked to provide an acceptable form of photo identification (photo ID) at the polls.
- More details on voting in-person >>
- More details on voting absentee >>
- More details on military and overseas voting >>
- More details on accessible voting >>
- More details on candidates in election >>
Virginia law allows you to vote in only one political party primary election when multiple political party primary elections are held on the same day (Va Code § 24.2-530). Each primary has a separate ballot listing different candidates. The voter must indicate which ballot he would like to receive.
Absentee Voting
The June Primary date has changed per the Governor’s Executive Order 56. The Virginia Department of Elections encourages voters to protect their health during COVID-19 outbreak. Voting absentee in the coming June election is strongly encouraged. Voters may choose reason “2A My disability or illness” for absentee voting in the June 2020 election due to COVID-19. Voters who choose the absentee option should do so as soon as possible so they can get their ballots in time to return them by mail by Election Day. Apply online for a Virginia absentee ballot >>>
If you believe you may not safely have a witness present while completing the absentee ballot for the June 23, 2020 Primary Election, you are not required to have a witness present.
Accordingly, you may disregard the witness signature requirement if you believe you may not safely have a witness present while completing your ballot.
APPLYING TO VOTE ABSENTEE
- Apply online for a Virginia absentee ballot >>>
- All PAPER absentee application forms can be found on our Voter Forms page >>>
- Military and overseas voters can find specific information regarding absentee voting on our Military and Overseas page.
After applying, you can check to see if your absentee application was received, your ballot sent or received by going to our citizen portal.
WASHINGTON
Contact your county elections department to:
- Request a ballot or a replacement ballot;
- Change how you receive your ballot (for example, by email instead of postal mail); or
- Update your voter registration record (for example, update your mailing address).
If you believe you won’t receive your regular ballot in time to vote, you can also request a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), which is a blank write-in ballot. FWABs are available at consulates, embassies, from your Voting Assistance Officers, and online.
WEST VIRGINIA
Absentee Voting Information
In West Virginia, certain registered voters may receive and vote an absentee ballot by mail. This page provides information regarding absentee voting eligibility, process and required forms.
Eligibility and Absentee Voting Information:
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, all voters in West Virginia are eligible to vote absentee in the 2020 Primary Election. Click here for more information.
Voters may submit an absentee ballot application beginning January 1 for the upcoming May Primary Election, and beginning on the 84th day before the General Election.
The absentee ballot application must be received in your county clerk’s office by the 6th day before each election. Applications may be submitted to your county clerk via fax, U.S. mail, email, or in-person by hand delivery.
A complete list of the eligibility requirements and information relating to the different forms and qualifications for absentee voting in West Virginia may be viewed at the following link: Eligibility For Absentee Voting in West Virginia.
Voting an Absentee Ballot
County Clerks begin mailing ballots on the 46th day before the election. For absentee ballot applications received after the 46th day, ballots are mailed out within 24-hours of receiving the application. For instructions on how to vote an absentee ballot, please select one of the links below:
Instructions for Voting a Paper Ballot by Mail
Instructions for Voting an Optical Scan Ballot by Mail
Absentee Ballot Applications
Absentee Ballot Application County Clerk Directory Emergency Absentee Voter Application Special/Permanent Absentee Voter List Application Federal Post Card Application for Uniformed and Overseas Citizens
Electronic Absentee for Voters with Physical Disabilities
Returning an Absentee Ballot
After receiving an absentee ballot, the voter may simply vote and return the ballot to the County Clerk in the appropriate envelopes as soon as possible (or by hand delivery at the Clerk’s office).
Unless a voter is a military or overseas voter, the ballot must be mailed and postmarked by Election Day and received by the start of Canvass.
For hand-delivery, absentee ballots must be delivered to the County Clerk’s office by the day before Election Day. Although voters do not have to personally return his or her absentee ballot, no one person may deliver more than two voters’ absentee ballots.
WISCONSIN
https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/2020-03/EL-121%20Application%20for%20Absentee%20Ballot%20%282018-10%29.pdf
Absentee Voting
The deadlines on this page do not apply to the April 7, 2020, Spring Election due to court orders. Please visit this page for deadlines: https://elections.wi.gov/node/6822
How to Apply for an Absentee Ballot
If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before an absentee ballot can be sent to you.
Request by Mail
Download the Application For Absentee Ballot (EL-121). Complete the form and mail it to your municipal clerk’s office (for the correct address please refer to the Listing of Local Municipal Clerks). The application must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you.
Request by E-Mail, Online or by Fax
A voter may request that a ballot be sent to them by sending an e-mail or fax to their municipal clerk. Registered voters can also request an absentee ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov by clicking “Vote Absentee.”(See Directory of Local Municipal Clerks.) This request must be made no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you.
In-Person at your Municipal Clerk’s Office
In-person absentee voting hours and date vary by municipality. Municipalities may choose to start in-person absentee voting as soon as ballots become available, in-person absentee voting then ends at 5 p.m. or the close of business (whichever is later) on the Sunday before the election. Please check with your municipal clerk for regular office hours.
If you apply for an absentee ballot in your municipal clerk’s office, you must vote immediately, seal your ballot in the proper envelope, and return it to a member of the clerk’s staff. No ballots may be taken from the clerk’s office.
Instructions for Completing Absentee Ballot
Click here for uniform instructions for absentee voters.
Deadline for Returning Ballot
The completed ballot must be mailed to your municipal clerk’s office and received no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Who is my Municipal Clerk?
The municipal clerk is the clerk for the City, Village or Town in Wisconsin where you reside. If you do not know who your municipal clerk is, or where the clerk’s office is located, please use the MyVote Wisconsin website:myvote.wi.gov to locate your clerk’s contact information. You can also find your clerk by searching a list of all Wisconsin Municipal Clerk Contact Information.
WYOMING
https://sos.wyo.gov/Forms/Elections/General/AbsenteeRequestForm-Standard.pdf
Required Information for Requesting an Absentee Ballot
Any registered voter in Wyoming may request an absentee ballot for any or all elections ONLY within the calendar year in which the election is held but not on the day of the election. When requesting an absentee ballot, you must provide the following voter and absentee ballot request information:
- Full name;
- Date of birth;
- Your current Wyoming residence address including your house number, street, city, county and zip code;
- The mailing address where your ballot should be mailed;
- The election(s) for which the absentee ballot is requested;
- If for a primary election, the political party ballot you wish to vote. (You must be a registered member of that political party. If you are not, please contact your county clerk on how to update your voter registration information); and
- A statement that you are eligible to vote in the election(s).
How Do I Request an Absentee Ballot?
- By Phone– Call your county clerk
- By Mail– Print and fill out the application form and mail to your county clerk
- By Email– Put “Absentee Ballot Request” in the subject line
- In Person– Request an absentee ballot in person at your county clerk’s office
- Online Request Forms– Select the applicable form below
Click here to view contact information for your county clerk.
When Can I Receive or Pick up My Absentee Ballot?
- Any registered voter can obtain their absentee ballot as early as 45 days prior to the election or any day after contacting their county clerk’s office but not on Election Day.
- Mailed ballots will be sent 45 days before the election to all voters who have requested that an absentee ballot be mailed. Absentee ballot requests received after 45 days will be sent as soon as possible. (Mail delivery within the county may take up to seven (7) days, and longer if your mailing address is outside the county.)
Where Do I Return My Completed Absentee Ballot?
All Absentee ballots must be received in the county clerk’s office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots arriving after the deadline will not be counted.
Ballots may be returned to the county clerk in the following ways:
- In Person– Bring your completed absentee ballot in the signed envelope to your county clerk’s office.
- By Mail– Mail your completed absentee ballot in the provided envelope to your county clerk’s office. (Mail delivery within the county may take up to seven (7) days, and longer if you’re mailing your ballot from outside the county.)