Absentee ballot vs mail in ballot ny
In New York, the terms "absentee ballot" and "mail-in ballot" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.
Absentee Ballot: An absentee ballot is a ballot that is cast by a voter who is unable to vote in person on Election Day due to a valid reason, such as:
- Being out of town on Election Day
- Having a disability that prevents them from voting in person
- Being unable to vote in person due to a religious observance
- Serving as an election inspector or poll worker
To request an absentee ballot, a voter must submit an application to their local board of elections, which must be received by a certain deadline before the election. The voter will then receive an absentee ballot by mail, which they can complete and return by mail or in person.
Mail-in Ballot: A mail-in ballot, also known as a "vote-by-mail" ballot, is a ballot that is automatically sent to all registered voters in a particular jurisdiction, usually for a specific election or election cycle. In New York, mail-in ballots are typically used for primary elections, special elections, or elections with low voter turnout.
In New York, mail-in ballots are not the same as absentee ballots. Mail-in ballots are sent to all eligible voters, while absentee ballots are requested by individual voters who meet certain criteria.
Key differences:
- Absentee ballots are requested by individual voters, while mail-in ballots are automatically sent to all eligible voters.
- Absentee ballots are typically used for specific elections or circumstances, while mail-in ballots are used for specific elections or election cycles.
- Absentee ballots require a valid reason for not being able to vote in person, while mail-in ballots do not.
In New York, the process for requesting an absentee ballot and casting a mail-in ballot is similar, but the deadlines and requirements may vary depending on the election and the voter's circumstances. It's always a good idea to check with your local board of elections for specific information on absentee and mail-in ballots in your area.