What is an absentee ballot and how do I get one this year?

Here’s what you need to know about voting by absentee ballot in Pennsylvania this year.

Before we get too far along, you may be wondering if there’s any difference between an absentee ballot and a mail-in ballot.

Generally speaking, not really. 

Absentee ballots have existed in Pennsylvania for decades, and require a voter to be out of their municipality or unable to go to the polls because of illness or physical disability. Mail-in ballots were created by Act 77 of 2019, which made it possible for any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot without reason. 

Absentee and mail-in ballots both require the voter to apply and are processed exactly the same way by your county board of elections office. Both come with two envelopes that must be used in order for your vote to be counted, and both can be returned either by mail or in person at your county board of elections office. 

If requesting an absentee ballot specifically, you’ll be asked to provide a reason for your application. You can vote absentee if you:

• Are a college student who will be residing outside of the municipality where you are registered on Election Day
• Will be out of your municipality on Election Day
• Have a disability or illness that prevents you from getting to your polling place
• Are in the military
• Have a conflict due to a religious holiday

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 29. You can apply online through the Pennsylvania Department of State website. You can also print and complete an application form from this page, then mail the completed application to your county election board office or drop it off at the office in person. Find your local office using this tool.  Those who are in the military or live outside of the United States must use a federal form to request an absentee ballot.

When you apply for an absentee ballot, you must provide a driver’s license number or a Social Security number. If you don’t have a driver’s license or a Social Security number, you must present a copy of an acceptable photo ID, such as a U.S. passport or Armed Forces ID.

If you have an emergency, such as an illness, disability, or last-minute absence from your municipality and did not apply for an absentee ballot by the deadline, you may download and apply for an Emergency Absentee Ballot. You can request an Emergency Absentee Ballot after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. 

Completed absentee ballots must be received by your county election board office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.