Information for Absentee Voters

Absentee Voting

Ballots cannot be forwarded; even by the post office: They must be sent where you can receive them. Therefore, when you move, change a mailing address, or travel, you will need to inform us of those changes.

Military and out of country ballots are sent 45 days before each election: In order to have your ballot counted it must be back to us no later than 8 pm Election Day.

Snowbirds and students that are out of the area part of the year should plan carefully: Unless you can tell us where you will be during upcoming elections your ballot will continue to be sent to your local address, and cannot legally be forwarded to you by anyone. Ballots are sent to out of state voters 29 days before each election. If you are not there when the ballot arrives some post offices will return them. You can call, email, write, or come into the office, to provide us with the information we will need to make sure ballots reach you.

Getting answers: If you have questions or concerns about voting absentee please contact us at once. Often issues can be resolved in time for you to take part in the current election.

Absentee Application

If you are not a registered voter, visit the Secretary of State Elections Division [offsite link] secured site to do so and to apply for an absentee ballot.

If you are already registered to vote, you could use the Absentee Application Form (PDF document). The Absentee Application Form (PDF document) is in fillable pdf format. The form can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat© Reader, which may be downloaded for free.

If you are unsure of your voting status, contact the Benton County Elections Office.