New York Absentee Ballot Application Template

New York Absentee Ballot Application Template

The New York Absentee Ballot Application form allows voters to request a ballot when they are unable to vote in person on election day. This form is essential for ensuring that individuals who meet specific criteria can participate in elections, even when they cannot physically attend the polling place. Understanding how to complete and submit this application is crucial for eligible voters to exercise their rights effectively.

Fill Out New York Absentee Ballot Application Now

As the election season approaches, understanding the New York Absentee Ballot Application form becomes crucial for voters who may be unable to cast their ballots in person. This form is designed to facilitate the voting process for individuals who have valid reasons for not being able to attend the polls on election day. It outlines the necessary steps to apply for an absentee ballot, including deadlines for submission. Voters can submit their applications in person or by mail, with specific timelines to ensure ballots are received on time. The form requires applicants to provide personal information, such as their name, address, and the reason for requesting an absentee ballot, which may include absence from the county, illness, or caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, it includes sections for voters to specify their preferred method of ballot delivery, whether in person or by mail. Importantly, the form emphasizes the need for accuracy and honesty, as any false statements can lead to serious legal consequences. Familiarity with these details can empower voters to navigate the absentee voting process effectively and ensure their voices are heard, even from afar.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The absentee ballot application can be submitted at any time.
  • This is not true. The application must be submitted by specific deadlines. If you are delivering it in person, it must be done no later than the day before the election. If you are mailing it, it must be received by the county board of elections no later than 15 days before the election.

  • Misconception 2: Anyone can apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of another person.
  • This is incorrect. Each voter must apply for themselves. It is illegal to submit an application for someone else, except in cases where a voter is unable to sign due to illness or disability, and even then, specific procedures must be followed.

  • Misconception 3: If I have a permanent illness or disability, I need to apply for an absentee ballot for every election.
  • This is a common misunderstanding. Once your application is approved for a permanent illness or disability, you will automatically receive a ballot for each election in which you are eligible to vote without needing to apply again.

  • Misconception 4: I can use a power of attorney to submit my absentee ballot application.
  • This is false. A power of attorney or printed name stamp is not allowed for voting purposes. Voters must either sign the application themselves or make their mark, which must be witnessed as specified in the application instructions.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the New York Absentee Ballot Application form, there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

  • Do print clearly and legibly to avoid any confusion.
  • Do submit your application in person or by mail before the deadlines specified.
  • Do provide accurate information about your absence and the elections for which you are requesting a ballot.
  • Do sign the application yourself, or if you are unable to sign, ensure that your mark is witnessed properly.
  • Don't use a power of attorney or printed name stamp; these are not allowed.
  • Don't forget to check the appropriate box for your reason for requesting an absentee ballot.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help make your voting experience as smooth as possible.

Similar forms

The New York Absentee Ballot Application form shares similarities with several other important documents. Here’s a look at five of them:

  • Voter Registration Form: Like the absentee ballot application, the voter registration form requires personal information such as name, address, and date of birth. Both documents are essential for confirming eligibility to vote.
  • Federal Post Card Application (FPCA): This form is specifically for military and overseas voters. Similar to the absentee ballot application, it allows voters to request absentee ballots but is tailored to meet the needs of those serving in the military or living abroad.
  • Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Form: This document is used in many states to request a mail-in ballot. It shares the same purpose as the absentee ballot application, allowing voters to participate in elections when they cannot vote in person.
  • Provisional Ballot Application: If a voter’s eligibility is in question at the polls, they may use a provisional ballot. This application is similar in that it ensures the voter can still cast a ballot while confirming their registration status later.
  • Signature Verification Form: Some states require voters to verify their identity through a signature. This form is akin to the absentee ballot application, as both require a signature to confirm the authenticity of the request.

Preview - New York Absentee Ballot Application Form

MM/DD/YYYY
!pplicant Must Sign Below

New York State !bsentee Ballot !pplication

Please print clearly; See detailed instructions/

To receive an absentee ballot: In-Person - Application must be personally delivered to your county board of elections not later than the day before the election. By Mail - Application must be received by your county board of elections not later than the 15th day before the election.

The ballot itself must either be personally delivered to the board of elections in your county no later than the close of polls on election day, or postmarked by a governmental postal service not later than the day of the election and received no later than 7 days after the election/

BOARD USE ONLY:

Town/City/Ward/Dist:

_________________________________

Registration No: ____________________

Party: ____________________________

voted in office

 

1/

I am requesting, in good faith, an absentee ballot due to (check one reason):

absence from county or New York ity on election day

resident or patient of a Veterans Health

 

temporary illness or physical disability

!dministration Hospital

 

permanent illness or physical disability

detention in jail/prison, awaiting trial, awaiting

 

duties related to primary care of one or more

 

action by a grand jury, or in prison for a conviction

 

individuals who are ill or physically disabled

 

of a crime or offense which was not a felony

 

 

 

 

 

2/

absentee ballot(s) requested for the following election(s) .

 

Primary Election only

General Election only

 Special Election only

!ny election held between these dates. absence begins. _____/_____/_____

absence ends. _____/_____/_____

MM/DD/YYYY

MM/DD/YYYY

3/

last name or surname

 

 

 

 

 

 

first name

 

 

 

 

middle initial

 

 

suffix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4/

date of birth MM/DD/YYYY

 

county where you live

 

 

 

 

phone number (optional)

 

email (optional)

 

 

 

 

_____ /_____ /_____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/

address where you live (residence) street

apt

 

 

city

 

 

state

zip code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/

Delivery of Primary Election allot (check one)

 

 

Deliver to me in person at the board of elections

I authorize (give name)._______________________________________ to pick up my ballot at the board of elections/

 

Mail ballot to me at. (mailing address)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

street no/

street name

 

 

 

 

apt/

city

 

 

 

state

 

 

zip code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/

Delivery of General (or Special) Election allot (check one)

Deliver to me in person at the board of elections

I authorize (give name)._______________________________________ to pick up my ballot at the board of elections/

 

Mail ballot to me at. (mailing address)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

street no/

street name

 

 

 

 

apt/

city

 

 

 

state

 

 

zip code

8/

I certify that I am a qualified and a registered (and for primary, enrolled) voter- and that the information in this application is

true and correct and that this application will be accepted for all purposes as the equivalent of an affidavit and, if it contains a

 

material false statement, shall subject me to the same penalties as if I had been duly sworn/

 

Sign Here: X__________________________ Date ____/____/____

If applicant is unable to sign because of illness, physical disability or inability to read, the following statement must be executed. y my mark, duly witnessed hereunder, I hereby state that I am unable to sign my applica- tion for an absentee ballot without assistance because I am unable to write by reason of my illness or physical disability or because I am unable to read/ I have made, or have the assistance in making, my mark in lieu of my signature/ (No power of attorney or preprinted name stamps allowed/ See detailed instructions/)

Date ___/___/___ Name of Voter.____________________________________ Mark.___________________

MM/DD/YYYY

 

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the above named voter affixed his or her mark to this application in my pres-

ence and I know him or her to be the person who affixed his or her mark to said application and understand that

this statement will be accepted for all purposes as the equivalent of an affidavit and if it contains a material false

statement, shall subject me to the same penalties as if I had been duly sworn/

_____________________________________________

______________________________________

_____________________________________________

(signature of witness to mark)

(address of witness to mark)

Board Use Only

 

 

2021 Absentee Ballot Application

Instructions:

Who may apply for an absentee ballot?

Each person must apply for themselves/ It is a felony to make a false statement in an application for an absentee ballot, to attempt to cast an illegal ballot, or to help anyone to cast an illegal ballot/

Information for military and overseas voters:

If you are applying for an absentee ballot because you or your family are in the military or because you currently reside overseas, do not use this application/ You are entitled to special legal provisions if you apply using the Federal Postcard !pplication (FPCA)/ For more information about military/overseas voting, contact your local board of elections or refer to the Military and Federal Voting sections at. http.//www/elections/ny/gov/Voting/html

Where and when to return your application:

Applications for an absentee ballot that will be delivered in-person at the county board of elections to the voter or an agent of the voter must be received not later than the day before the election. Applications for a ballot to be delivered by mail to the voter must be received at the county board of elections no later than 15 days before the election. If the address of your county board of elections is not provided on this form, contact information for your local election office can be found on the New York State oard of Elections’ website, under “ounty oards of Election” directory at. http.//www/elections/ny/gov/ountyoards/html

Options available to you if you have an illness or disability:

If you check the box indicating your illness or disability is permanent, once your application is ap- proved you will automatically receive a ballot for each election in which you are eligible to vote, without having to apply again/ You may sign the absentee ballot application yourself, or you may make your mark and have your mark witnessed in the spaces provided on the bottom of the appli- cation/ Please note that a power of attorney or printed name stamp is not allowed for any voting purpose/

When your ballot will be sent:

Your absentee ballot materials will be sent to you beginning 46 days before federal, state, county, city or town elections in which you are eligible to vote/ If you applied after this date, your ballot will be sent immediately after your completed and signed application is received and processed by your local board of elections/ If you provide dates in section 2, identifying the time frame within which you will be absent from your county or from the ity of New York, you will be sent a ballot for any primary, general, special election or presidential primary election which might occur during the time frame you have specified/ If you prefer, you may designate someone to pick up your ballot for you, by completing the required information in section 6 and/or section 7, as appropriate/ ontact your local county board of elections if you have not received your ballot/

Crucial Queries on This Form

What is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in New York?

To receive an absentee ballot, you must apply before specific deadlines. If you plan to deliver your application in person, it must be submitted to your county board of elections no later than the day before the election. If you choose to apply by mail, your application must be received by the county board of elections no later than 15 days before the election. Be mindful of these dates to ensure your voice is heard.

Who is eligible to apply for an absentee ballot?

Any registered voter in New York can apply for an absentee ballot. You can request a ballot if you are unable to vote in person due to various reasons, such as being out of the county on election day, having a temporary or permanent illness, or fulfilling caregiving duties for someone who is ill. It’s important to check the specific reasons listed on the application form to ensure you qualify.

How can I ensure my absentee ballot is counted?

To make sure your absentee ballot counts, follow these steps:

  1. Complete your absentee ballot application accurately and sign it.
  2. Submit your application on time, either in person or by mail.
  3. Once you receive your ballot, fill it out carefully, following all instructions.
  4. Return your completed ballot by the deadline. You can either deliver it in person to your county board of elections by the close of polls on election day or mail it, ensuring it is postmarked by election day and received within 7 days afterward.

Taking these steps will help ensure your vote is counted.

What should I do if I have a disability and need assistance with my absentee ballot application?

If you have a disability that prevents you from signing the application, you can still apply for an absentee ballot. You may make your mark in place of a signature, but this must be witnessed by someone who can attest to your identity. This witness will need to sign the application, confirming that they observed you make your mark. It’s important to remember that power of attorney or preprinted name stamps cannot be used for voting purposes.

How to Write New York Absentee Ballot Application

Once you have completed the New York Absentee Ballot Application form, submit it to your county board of elections by the specified deadline. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues with receiving your ballot.

  1. Begin by printing the application form clearly.
  2. Indicate your reason for requesting an absentee ballot by checking one of the provided boxes.
  3. Specify the election(s) for which you are requesting an absentee ballot. Check the appropriate box for Primary, General, or Special Election.
  4. Fill in the dates for your absence, using the MM/DD/YYYY format.
  5. Provide your last name, first name, middle initial, and suffix as applicable.
  6. Enter your date of birth in the MM/DD/YYYY format.
  7. List the county where you reside.
  8. Optionally, include your phone number and email address.
  9. Complete your residential address, including street, apartment number, city, state, and zip code.
  10. For the delivery of your Primary Election ballot, check one option: in-person delivery, authorized pickup, or mail delivery. Fill in the necessary details if you choose mail delivery.
  11. Repeat the previous step for the General (or Special) Election ballot delivery.
  12. Certify your eligibility and truthfulness of the information by signing and dating the application.
  13. If you are unable to sign due to illness or disability, have a witness sign and provide their address as required.

Common mistakes

Filling out the New York Absentee Ballot Application form can be a straightforward process, but there are common mistakes that individuals often make, which can hinder their ability to vote absentee. One frequent error is not signing the application. The form explicitly states that the applicant must sign below the designated area. Without a signature, the application may be deemed incomplete, leading to delays or outright rejection. It is essential to ensure that this critical step is not overlooked.

Another mistake that applicants often make involves the deadlines for submitting the application. Individuals may misinterpret the timeframes specified for submission. For instance, the application must be personally delivered to the county board of elections no later than the day before the election, or it must be mailed and received by the board at least 15 days prior to the election. Failing to adhere to these deadlines can result in the inability to receive a ballot in time to vote.

Moreover, applicants sometimes neglect to provide accurate personal information. This includes details such as the correct last name, first name, date of birth, and residential address. Any discrepancies in this information can lead to complications in verifying voter registration. It is crucial to double-check all entries for accuracy before submitting the form. A small mistake can have significant repercussions on one's ability to cast a vote.

Lastly, individuals often misunderstand the reasons for requesting an absentee ballot. The form requires applicants to check a specific reason for their absence on election day. If the reason is not clearly indicated, the application may be questioned or rejected. Applicants should carefully consider their situation and select the most appropriate option. Providing the correct reason helps to ensure that the application is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Key takeaways

Filling out the New York Absentee Ballot Application form is straightforward, but there are key points to keep in mind.

  • Deadline for In-Person Applications: Deliver your application to the county board of elections by the day before the election.
  • Deadline for Mail Applications: Ensure your application is received by the county board of elections no later than 15 days before the election.
  • Ballot Submission: You can deliver your completed ballot in person or mail it, but it must be postmarked by election day and received within 7 days after the election.
  • Eligibility: You must be a registered voter to apply for an absentee ballot.
  • Reason for Absence: Clearly indicate your reason for requesting an absentee ballot, such as illness, being out of the county, or caregiving responsibilities.
  • Delivery Options: Specify how you want to receive your ballot—either by mail or in person at the board of elections.
  • Signature Requirement: Sign the application yourself, or if unable, make your mark and have it witnessed.
  • Permanent Disability: If you have a permanent disability, you will receive a ballot automatically for future elections without reapplying.
  • Witness Requirement: If you use a mark instead of a signature, a witness must certify that they observed you making your mark.
  • Tracking Your Application: If you haven’t received your ballot, contact your local county board of elections for assistance.

Being informed about these details can help ensure your voting experience is smooth and successful.

Other PDF Templates

Document Attributes

Fact Name Fact Description
Application Delivery Deadline The absentee ballot application must be personally delivered to the county board of elections no later than the day before the election.
Mail Application Deadline When applying by mail, the application must be received by the county board of elections no later than 15 days before the election.
Ballot Submission Options Voters can submit their absentee ballot either in person by the close of polls on election day or by mail, postmarked by election day and received within 7 days after the election.
Reasons for Absentee Voting Voters can request an absentee ballot for various reasons, including absence from the county, illness, or being detained in jail.
Signature Requirement Applicants must sign the form to certify that the information provided is true. If unable to sign, a mark can be made and witnessed.
Permanent Illness Provision If a voter has a permanent illness, they will automatically receive a ballot for each election without needing to apply again.
Witness Requirement for Marks If a voter cannot sign and uses a mark, a witness must confirm the mark in the designated area on the application.
Federal Postcard Application Military and overseas voters must use the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) instead of the standard absentee ballot application.
Ballot Mailing Timeline Absentee ballots are sent out starting 46 days before elections, ensuring timely delivery for voters.
Contacting Election Office If the county board of elections address is not provided, voters can find contact information on the New York State Board of Elections website.