Apply to Vote Absentee

The Process of Voting Absentee

Permanent Absentee Voting

Overseas Absentee Voting

Historical Absentee Ballot Use in California

Sample Absentee Ballot Application Forms for Use by Individuals and Organizations Distributing Forms in California

Apply to Vote Absentee

The application to vote an absentee ballot is available as a PDF download by clicking on one of the links below.

The English version of the statewide absentee voter application may be completed by typing your information directly on the online application. Once you have typed in your information, simply print, sign and date the form, and mail it to your county elections office.

For forms other than English, please print the form, fill out and sign and date the application using a pen, and mail it to your county elections office.

• English
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Japanese
• Chinese
• Vietnamese
• Korean
  

To apply for an absentee ballot, you may use the application contained in your Sample Ballot, which you will receive prior to every election from your county elections office, or apply in writing to your county elections official. You will need to submit a completed application or letter to your county elections official between 29 days and 7 days before the election. The application or letter must contain 1) your name and residence address as stated on your registration card; 2) the address to which the absentee ballot should be sent (if different than your registered address); 3) the name and date of the election in which the you would like to vote absentee; and 4) the date and your signature.

Once your application is processed by your county elections official, the proper ballot will be sent to you. After you have voted, insert your ballot in the envelope provided for this purpose, making sure you complete all required information on the envelope. You may return your voted absentee ballot by 1) mailing it to your county elections official; 2) returning it in person to a polling place or elections office within your county on election day; or 3) authorizing a legally-allowable third party (relative or person residing in the same household as you) to return the ballot on your behalf. Regardless of how the ballot is returned, it MUST be received by the county elections office by the time polls close (8:00 p.m.) on election day.

Once your voted absentee ballot is received by your county elections official, your signature on the absentee ballot return envelope will be compared to the signature on your voter registration card to determine that you are the authorized voter. To preserve the secrecy of your ballot, the ballot will then be separated from the envelope and the ballot becomes as anonymous and secret as any other ballot.

Permanent Absentee Voting
Any registered voter may apply for permanent absentee voter status. If you are a permanent absentee voter, you will automatically receive an absentee ballot for each election. To become a permanent absentee voter, you must complete an application, which is available from your county elections official.

Beginning January 2004, if you complete an application to become a permanent absentee voter, you will retain this status as long as you vote in all statewide general elections. If you fail to cast a ballot in a statewide general election, you will be removed from the permanent absentee voter list and will need to reapply in order to restore status.

Overseas Absentee Voting
If you are a US citizen and are going to be overseas or if you are in the military and wish to vote absentee, there are special provisions for you to register and receive an overseas absentee ballot. To do this you may need to complete a "Federal Post Card Registration and Absentee Ballot Request," and mail it to your local county elections official.

Many times, overseas military voters, their overseas spouses and dependents, and other registered voters residing abroad have a difficult time obtaining, voting, and returning their ballots by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Pursuant to a new law, effective January 1, 2004, a request for an absentee ballot from an overseas voter will be regarded and processed as a request for permanent absentee status. (Ch. 347, Stats. 2003.)

In addition, this same new law states that voters no longer have to re-apply for permanent absentee voter status if they fail to vote in a statewide primary election. These voters will retain their permanent absentee voter (PAV) status and will be automatically sent an absentee ballot to vote in the next general election. However, a permanent absentee voter must vote in the next general election or the voter will lose his or her PAV status.

Please note: There are special requirements for new citizens and new California residents. For further information regarding these requirements, please contact the local elections official in the county in which you are registered to vote. There are also special provisions for new citizens and new residents within California. For further information about these alternatives, contact the county elections official of the county in which you are registered.

Sample Absentee Ballot Application Forms for Use by Individuals and Organizations Distributing Forms in California
These forms, while downloadable, are also included in our publication, A Guide to Absentee Voting. You should not use these forms unless you have read and understand this publication. Your application must conform to the required format, or it may be invalid. This format is to be used by all individuals, groups and organizations distributing these applications.

The statewide form is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. All translations are available in PDF format. The statewide form is intended for organizations that plan to distribute absentee ballot applications in several counties throughout California.

The county form is intended for organizations that plan to distribute absentee ballot applications in a single county only. Please note the places where you need to enter specific data or provide lists of county elections officials for applicants.

Your application must be 5.5" X 8.5" in size unless specifically authorized by the elections official to be a different size.

Do not return forms to the Secretary of State's office. Applications must be returned to the elections official of the county in which the applicant resides.