An absentee ballot is a way for registered voters to vote before Election Day by mail or drop box. It allows voters to participate in the election even if they are unable to physically go to the polling place on Election Day. Absentee voting is also known as voting by mail.
Each state has its own rules and deadlines for absentee voting, but generally, registered voters can request an absentee ballot if they are unable to vote in person on Election Day due to reasons such as being out of the county, illness, physical disability, or being a member of the armed forces or a college student living outside of the county. In Florida, for example, all registered voters are permitted to vote by mail.
To vote by absentee ballot, voters must request a ballot from their local election office, fill it out, and return it by mail or in person before the deadline. The deadlines and rules on who can take part in absentee voting vary by state. For example, in Alabama, voters may return the ballot in person or by mail. In Florida, the marked ballot must be mailed or delivered in person, reaching the Supervisor of Elections’ office not later than 7:00 pm on the day of the election.
It is important to note that some states require voters to provide an excuse for voting by absentee ballot. However, in Florida, no excuse is required.
