Absentee Ballot Information

    What is an Absentee Ballot?

    An absentee ballot allows a voter to cast his or her vote early or by mail if they will not be available to vote on the day of the election. An absentee ballot can be requested and voted immediately, taken home by the voter, or the ballot can be mailed to the voter.

    Who can request an Absentee Ballot?

    Absentee ballots can be requested by the voter, an authorized family member, or a healthcare provider acting in the voter’s behalf. A family member includes the following: A person’s spouse, children, brothers, sisters, parents, spouse’s parents, grandparents, and spouse’s grandparents. Family members may request absentee ballots by telephone, in writing, or in person. All other authorized person’s may request absentee ballots in writing or in person.

    It is important to note that even though an absentee ballot request can be made by a family member or authorized person, only the voter can physically take an absentee ballot with them from the town clerk’s office. No person, except the justices of the peace, may take any ballot from the town clerk on behalf of any other person. For example, Mrs. Jones visits the town clerk’s office to request absentee ballots for both herself and her husband. She can only take one ballot with her (her ballot). Her husband’s ballot must be picked up by her husband or it can be delivered by mail.

    Can a voter cast their ballot early?

    Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot and cast their vote prior to the Election Day. The voter can come to the town clerk’s office and complete an Absentee Ballot Request, and will be provided with the appropriate ballots and envelopes. The voter will be given a private place to vote in the office, and will seal their ballots in the envelopes provided. The can then place their ballots in the ballot box in the office. Once a vote has been cast, it cannot be returned! Voters may also take the ballots with them and return them to the town clerk any time before the end of Election Day.

    How late can I request an Absentee Ballot?

    All absentee ballot requests must be submitted by 5:00 pm or the close of the town clerk’s office on the day before the election. Requests for absentee ballots are only good for one election, except that a voter can make one request to cover both the September primary election and the November general election, so long as both ballots are to be mailed to the same address.

    Where can I get an Absentee Ballot Request Form?

    The Town Clerks office has absentee ballot request forms. Additional forms can be downloaded on this web page.