Who is eligible for an absentee ballot?
Any registered voter who: will be out of their county of residence on any primary, special or general business, vacation or studies; is ill or disabled; or is detained in jail awaiting grand jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony, may apply for an absentee ballot. Anyone who is permanently ill or disabled may apply for a permanent absentee ballot. The Board of Elections will investigate the facts given and, if satisfied, will mark the voter’s record “Permanently Disabled.” A ballot will automatically be mailed for each election thereafter in which the voter is qualified to vote. In New York State you may not vote in a primary election unless you are enrolled in a political party holding a primary. In this case, an absentee ballot would not be issued to anyone not enrolled in a party. You may enroll in a party at any time, but be aware that any change is not effective until after the next general election.
