How to Get an Absentee Ballot

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By Nicholas Malinowski
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If you cannot get to your assigned polling facility on election day, you can still vote using an absentee ballot. You are eligible to use this method if you will be out of town for election day, if you have a physical disability that prevents you from voting at your polling facility, or if you can not vote at the polls due to religious beliefs. Applying for an absentee ballot is fairly easy if you have previously registered to vote. Read on to learn how to get an absentee ballot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

You can apply for an absentee ballot in writing to your city or town clerk or election commission. You will need to provide them with your given name, your address (registered), your voting precinct or ward, the address you want the absentee ballot to be sent, if voting in a primary the party ballot that you want, and your signature.
Step 2

You can find an application at your election office. The Declare Yourself website features a page where each state's specific rules are outlined. Find your state's page to download an application. This should have additional information on how to submit your ballot.
Step 3

If you don't have access to an Internet connection, this information should be available at your local post office.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure that you have previously registered to vote before applying for an absentee ballot.
Make sure to get your ballot in on time. Many states request that absentee ballots are received as early as three weeks before the election, and they must arrive at the election office before the polls close on election day.
Make sure that you fill out your ballot correctly, otherwise it will be thrown out.
If you are unable to apply for a ballot yourself, a member for your family can apply for you.
If you are unable to fill out an absentee ballot for any reason, a "helper" can assist you.

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