If you would like to vote in your home state but are unable to be there on election day, you can vote absentee. To do this, you must request an absentee ballot before the election. Follow the steps below for more information about how to vote absentee.
Note: Students who are studying abroad should go to our Guide for Study Abroad Students as voting absentee overseas is a slightly different process.
Register
Before you can request an absentee ballot, make sure you are registered to vote. Check out Register for more information.
Absentee ballot request form
Once you are registered to vote, you must request an absentee ballot. It is best to do this as early as possible in order to make sure your ballot arrives in time for you to fill it out and send it back before election day. Also, some states have Absentee Ballot Application Deadlines, so be sure to check the requirements for your state.
Submitting your absentee ballot
Once you have received your absentee ballot, it’s time to vote! Fill out the form as directed and send it back before the Voted Absentee Ballot Deadline (often Election Day). Again, do this early to avoid missing the deadline. Depending on your state, you may be able to submit your absentee ballot electronically and all states should accept mailed submissions. All this information will be available on your absentee ballot, and you can contact Bowdoin Votes with any questions.