Absentee Voter Guide

If you have chosen to vote by absentee ballot, please keep several issues in mind:

Rules regarding absentee voting vary by state. Start the process of voting by absentee ballot NOW. It is strongly suggested that you secure, complete and return your absentee ballot application as soon as possible. This will provide sufficient mailing time for the County Elections Offices to receive and process your application, mail your ballot, and allow you to vote and return your ballot by the deadline. Get started TODAY!

Studying Abroad?

Fill out this form to request an absentee ballot from the government if you are studying abroad and will not be in the United States on Election Day. The Department of State needs to receive your request for an absentee ballot by October 30, 2012, but we recommend sending in your request ASAP as it can take a while to mail overseas.The Federal Voting Assistance Program's website has all overseas deadlines by state. Ballots being mailed to Philadelphia must be postmarked by November 5th though we suggest mailing them up to a month in advance. Voting absentee within the states? Visit Long Distance Voter to find your respective states' deadline.

Absentee Voting in Another State

To view absentee voting guidelines and deadlines for each U.S. State, check out this interactive map from Long Distance Voter, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that helps absentee voters vote by mail. The instructions from Long Distance Voter are only applicable to those students who are registered to vote in their home state. If you are studying abroad and would like to request an absentee ballot, please see above.

Questions? Contact PLTV at pennleadsthevote@gmail.com.