How to Vote While Abroad

If you travel for business or go on vacation often, you may not always be in the country to cast a ballot on election day. You must vote by absentee ballot if you're going to be abroad. You just have to go through this simple process.

Instructions

1. Request an absentee ballot by going to your local supervisor of elections Web site. Alternatively, you can go down to their office. Fill out the application and specify the address you want the absentee ballot sent to. You may also just write a letter stating your request.

2. Fill out your ballot when you receive it. Ensure that you have each selection marked correctly and clearly.

3. Mail the ballot back to your election office. You can hand deliver it to the election office if you will be back before election day. Note that it must be received by the office by the time the polls close.

Tips & Warnings

• A family member can request a ballot for you if you're unable to request one yourself.

• If you know you'll be abroad on election day, you can go down to the election office to make your application and then vote right then and there.

• Absentee ballots are usually available three weeks before the election.

• If you'll be abroad for an extended period of time and would like to vote in every election in that time frame, state this when you apply for the first ballot; subsequent ballots will automatically be sent to you.

• Check your county's deadline for requesting the absentee ballot. In some places, it's the day before the election is held.