Q: Who is eligible for an absentee ballot?
A: Any registered voter who will be unable to personally appear at the polls because he/she;
1.  Unavoidably absent from the county of his residence, or because his duties, occupation, business or studies require him to be elsewhere on Election Day,
2.  Absent from county of residence because of vacation,
3.  Inmate or patient of veterans administration hospital,
4.  Absent from county due to the accompanying a spouse, parent or child who would be entitled to an absentee ballot,
5.  Detained in jail awaiting trial, action by grand jury, or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony,
6.  Ill or physically disabled temporary or permanent, and including specifics such as doctor's name and illness.

**For information regarding Military or Federal Absentee ballots and procedures please contact our office directly at (607)274-5521 , or use link provided below for forms and info.

Q: How do I obtain an application?
A: Absentee ballot applications are available online (see below) 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 use 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.

Q: What is the difference between Temporary and Permanent Absentee status?
A: 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. Information must include reason and dates for absence, location, and your employer or school.
A: Permanent Absentee status is for any voter who claims permanent illness or physical disability. These applications must include doctors' name and address, place of confinement and specifics or illness or disability.

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 may then witness such mark on the proper witness line.

Q: How does an absentee ballot work?
A: An absentee ballot is a paper ballot which looks just like the ballot on a 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 the affidavit on the back with the date. It is then enclosed in an envelope to be mailed. 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 before 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 cannot be delivered to the polling sites - they will not be counted if they are dropped off at the polls.

Links to Absentee Ballot Applications:
(Note: Requires Adobe Acrobat to view and print)
Permanent Absentee Ballot Application			How to Vote an Absentee Ballot
Temporary Absentee Ballot Application			Other States' Absentee Applications
Federal or Military Registration/Absentee Application (For cititzens living overseas, or in the Military)			Overseas Vote Foundation

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 3 week prior to each election.

If you requested we mail you your ballot and you don't receive it 7 - 10 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. You may enroll in a party at any time, but remember that the change is not effective until 7 days after the next General Election.

If your plans change and you are able to personally appear at your designated polling place on election day, it is your obligation to go to your polling place and vote in person, even if you have already cast an absentee ballot. Your absentee ballot will then not be counted.