Absentee Ballot

We encourage voters to apply early for an absentee ballot if needed.

New law this year, (2022), if you request an absentee ballot you cannot vote at the polls on the machine; but will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.

If you will be absent from your county on election day because of your occupation, business, vacation, studies, or health issues, detained in jail, awaiting trial, or action by a grand jury, or in prison for a conviction of a crime or offense which was not a felony, you can request an absentee ballot by completing the Absentee Application. You may also vote by absentee ballot if you are ill or have a disability.

Illness

Persons in fear of contracting an illness may use temporary illness when applying for an absentee ballot.

Persons who are permanently ill or disabled may receive an absentee ballot for all future elections by filing only one application. You will then be sent an absentee ballot for every primary, special or general election for which you qualify for as a voter.

Application Requirements

  • If you are applying by mail, you must do so at least 15 days before the election.
  • If you are applying in person, you may do so up to and including the day before the election.
  • The absentee ballot must be returned to us with a postmark no later than the day of the election.
  • If you need further instructions, please call our office at 315-946-7400.
  • Our office requires an absentee ballot request before mailing out a ballot.

For the Visually Impaired

If you are visually impaired or otherwise have a disability such that your disability requires you to use a special accessible absentee ballot that can be read by a screen reader, you have two accessible options to request such a ballot on this page, either using the NY Accessible Electronic Ballot Application or Application Portal. Click here to see the Voter Accessible Absentee Ballot Application Request.

If you cannot affirm that you are visually impaired or otherwise disabled you must request a regular absentee ballot.

Military Voters

Persons serving in the Military, along with their spouses and/or dependents, may register as a military voter in New York, entitling them to receive an absentee ballot for all federal state, and local races that they would be otherwise entitled to vote in if they were to go to their assigned polling place based on their New York residence.

Visit the NYS Board of Election website for further detailed information.

Use the Federal Post Card Application (PDF) for Military and Overseas (Federal) Voters.