Who may apply for an absentee ballot? In the 2020 general election, to be held November 3, every registered voter in New York State is eligible to an absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important in this election that when using an absentee application and/or ballot to be sure to follow the instructions and comply with the dates to be found on your county Board of Elections website. Find your county Board of Elections by clicking here.
Each person must apply for themselves. It is a felony to make a false statement in an application for an absentee ballot, to attempt to cast an illegal ballot, or to help anyone to cast an illegal ballot.
You can download NYS Absentee ballot form and instructions here https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/AbsenteeBallot-English.pdf
or for Spanish speaking voters here https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/AbsenteeBallot-Spanish.pdf
Instructions:
Information for military and overseas voters: If you are applying for an absentee ballot because you or your family are in the military or because you currently reside overseas, do not use this application. You are entitled to special provisions if you apply using the Federal Postcard Application. For more information about military/overseas voting, contact your local board of elections or refer to the Military and Federal Voting sections at https://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingMilitaryFed.html
Where and when to return your application: Applications must be mailed seven days before the election, or hand-delivered to your county board of elections by the day before the election; If the address of your county board of elections is not provided on this form, contact information for your local election office can be found on the New York State Board of Elections’ website, under “County Boards of Election” directory” at https://www.elections.ny.gov/countyboards.html
Options available to you if you have an illness or disability: If you check the box indicating your illness or disability is permanent, once your application is approved you will automatically receive a ballot for each election in which you are eligible to vote, without having to apply again. You may sign the absentee ballot application yourself, or you may make your mark and have your mark witnessed in the spaces provided on the bottom of the application. Please note that a power of attorney or printed name stamp is not allowed for any voting purpose.
Options for the 2020 general election in NYS
To receive an absentee ballot, fill out the application form fully, in section 1 check “temporary illness or physical disability,” follow all the general directions to apply.
When your ballot will be sent:
Your absentee ballot materials will be sent to you at least 32 days before federal, state, county, city or town elections in which you are eligible to vote. If you applied after this date, your ballot will be sent immediately after your completed and signed application is received and processed by your local board of elections. If you provide dates in section 2, identifying the time frame within which you will be absent from your county or from the city of New York, you will be sent a ballot for any primary, general, special election or presidential primary election which might occur during the time frame you have specified. If you prefer, you may designate someone to pick up your ballot for you, by completing the required information in section 6 and/or section 7, as appropriate. Contact your local county board of elections if you have not received your ballot.
