Absentee Voting
Absentee ballots are available for all elections - Town, State, Federal and Primaries. They are generally available at the Town Clerk's office at least three weeks prior to an election.
Eligibility
There are specific reasons for requesting an absentee ballot, including the following:
- Be away from your city/town on Election Day; or
- Have a disability that keeps you from voting at your polling place; or
- Have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling place on Election Day
Application
Absentee ballot applications must be signed under the Penalty of Perjury by the applicant or a family member requesting one on behalf of the voter.
Absentee ballots applications must be requested in writing at least 4 business days before Election Day. Applications (see below) are available from the state or town clerk's office, but any written request is acceptable if it has your signature on it. For absentee ballots, a member of your family may also make the request on your behalf.
Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or fax. If you are emailing your application, you may either scan or take a photo of your signed application and email it to your local election office. Typed signatures are not acceptable.
If you are not able to print the application, you may request that one be mailed to you or you may write a letter to your local election official requesting your ballot. Make sure to include your name, your address, the place you would like the ballot mailed, and your signature. If you are requesting a ballot for a state or federal primary and you are unenrolled (independent), be sure to indicate which party's ballot you want to have mailed to you.
Emergency Absentee Ballots
If you have been admitted to a healthcare facility within 1 week of the election, you may use the absentee ballot application to designate someone of your choice to deliver a ballot to you.
The person you designate to deliver your ballot will need to bring the signed application to your local election office, pick up your absentee ballot, bring it to you, and return it for you by the close of polls on Election Day. Emergency ballots may be requested up until the close of polls.
Absentee ballot applications may be downloaded below:
Processing
Absentee ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk's office directly by US Mail or hand delivered directly to the Clerk's office by the voter or a family member, who must then sign the outer envelope in our presence. Do NOT put Absentee Ballots through the slot on the front door or in the locked box for taxes! Complete instructions are included with each ballot for the proper return of the ballot. Ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk before the close of polls on election day.
Voting in Person
Absentee voting can also be done in person, at your local election office. Make sure to contact your local election official before you go, to make sure ballots are ready and to arrange for a convenient time to come in and vote.
For more information, visit the Secretary of State's Election Website or call our office at (413) 625-6330, Ext.4.