Who is eligible for an absentee ballot?
Any registered voter who will be:
- Unavoidably absent from their county of residence because duties, occupation, business or studies require him to be elsewhere on Election Day;
- Absent from their county of residence because of vacation;
- A patient at a hospital or rehabilitation facility;
- Absent from their county due to accompanying a spouse, parent or child who is ill or disabled;
- Detained in jail awaiting trial or action by a grand jury;
- Confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony,
- Ill or physically disabled, temporarily or permanently, or a primary caregiver for ill or disabled person(s)
How do I obtain an application?
Absentee ballot applications are available online and at the Tompkins County Board of Elections and most town clerks' offices. A friend or relative may pick up an application for you or you can telephone and request that one be mailed to you. There are two applications - one is used for one time temporary absences from Tompkins County (Civilian) and the other is only used for those who are filing for Permanent Absentee status (Perm) and they will receive a ballot for every election thereafter they are eligible for.
It is recommended that you apply for an absentee ballot as soon as you know you will need it, but you can apply for a ballot IN PERSON at the Board of Elections until 5:00PM the day before each election.
Absentee Ballot Applications:
What are the different Absentee categories?
Temporary Absentee status is for when a registered voter is absent from Tompkins County on Election Day. This application must be renewed for each year the voter will be absent. It is only valid for the year to which it pertains.
Permanent Absentee status is for any voter who claims permanent illness or physical disability. Information specifically for homebound Senior Citizens.
Military Voter is a member of the uniformed services or Merchant Marine on active duty, or an eligible spouse or dependent. Applications are good through two Federal Election cycles.
Special Federal Voter is a US citizen who resides permanently outside the US. Applications are good through two Federal Election cycles.
Per the MOVE Act, Military and Special Federal voters can also apply for and print a ballot from the internet and then mail it in.
All applicants must fill out name, address, date of birth, and specifics of where ballot is to be delivered. Power of Attorney may not sign the application or ballot for the applicant. If the applicant is unable to sign they must make a mark (x) on the signature line. Power of Attorney, or another person, may then witness such mark on the proper witness line.
How to Cast your Absentee Ballot
An absentee ballot is a paper ballot which looks just like the ballot for the voting machine. You must mark your ballot clearly in pen or pencil and be sure not to make any other marks on it except those required to mark your vote. After you have filled out the ballot, enclose it in the inner envelope provided; seal it; and sign and date the statement on the back of the envelope and mail. NOTE: Military and Federal absentee voters have a second envelope for mailing their sealed ballot. Your vote is secret.
Keep in mind that unless the oath is signed and the ballot is sealed in the provided envelope, your ballot will not be counted. If the ballot is mailed, it must be postmarked no later than the day of an election. If the ballot is personally delivered to the Board of Elections it must be received no later than the close of polls on Election Day. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at a poll site before closing for delivery to the Board of Elections.
How to Vote an Absentee Ballot
- Once you receive the ballot, mark the ballot according to your choices for each office following the instructions on the ballot
- Once you have completed marking your ballot, fold it up and place it in the Security Envelope.
- Sign and date the outside of the Security Envelope.
- Seal the Security Envelope.
- All absentee ballots include a pre-paid Return Envelope. Place the Security Envelope in the Return Envelope. The Return Envelope will have the return address of your County Board of Elections on the outside and should have a logo that reads "Official Election Mail".
- Seal the Return Envelope.
How to return your ballot:
- Put it in the mail ensuring it receives a postmark no later than Election day.
- Bring it to your County Board of Elections no later than Election day. Someone else may drop it off for you if the Security Envelope is sealed and signed.
- Bring it to an early voting poll site in your county.
- Bring it to any poll site in your county on Election day.
Notes for the Absentee Voter
Once the ballots are printed, you can apply for, receive and cast your ballot all in one visit to the Board of Elections. Ballots are ready about 4 weeks prior to each election.
If you requested we mail you your ballot and you don't receive it 10 - 14 days before the election, please call us (607 274 5521).
In New York State you may not vote in a Primary Election unless you are enrolled in a political party holding a primary. Absentee ballots are not issued to anyone not enrolled in a party for a Primary. Party changes are effective immediately between July 7th through February 14th. There is an enrollment change blackout period between February 15th and July 6th.
If your plans change and you are able to personally appear at your designated polling place on election day, you may vote in person but not on the voting machine. Absentee voters who go to the polls, must vote by Affidavit Ballot.