Voters who would like to receive a ballot by mail should review their options below to determine which is applicable to their needs.

EARLY VOTE BY MAIL
Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot.  Each person may only apply for themselves.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN EARLY MAIL BALLOT
Voters may apply for an early mail ballot online at the New York State Early Mail Ballot Request Application Portal, by downloading, printing and mailing a paper Early Vote by Mail Application or by requesting an application by mail from the Board of Elections.  Applications for an early mail ballot must be received by the county board of elections no later than 10 days before the election.

ABSENTEE VOTING
Any registered voter who will be out of their county of residence on any primary, special or general election day due to occupation, business, vacation or studies; is ill or disabled; is detained in jail awaiting grand jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony, may apply for a temporary absentee ballot.

Anyone who is permanently ill or disabled may apply for a permanent absentee ballot. The Board of Elections will investigate the facts given and, if satisfied, will mark the voter’s record "permanently disabled". A ballot will automatically be mailed for each election thereafter in which the voter is qualified to vote.

In New York State you may not vote in a primary election unless you are enrolled in the political party holding a primary. In this case, an absentee ballot would not be issued to anyone not enrolled in a party or to individuals enrolled in a party without any primary races. You may enroll in a party at anytime, but be aware that your enrollment may not take effect immediately.  For more information, see "ENROLL IN A POLITICAL PARTY OR CHANGE PARTY ENROLLMENT".

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT
Voters may apply for temporary or permanent absentee status either by sending a completed application to the Board of Elections office or by applying through the New York State Absentee Application Portal. by downloading, printing and mailing a paper Absentee Application or requesting an application by mail from the Board of Elections. 

Applications made online are usually processed by the end of the next business day.  Temporary applications through the portal will automatically receive their ballot for each election indicated on their application.  Those who request permanent absentee status online will be mailed a paper application to complete, sign and return to the Board of Elections.

Notes for the absentee voter-

• Apply for your absentee ballot as soon as you know you will need it.
• Once the ballots are printed, you can apply for, receive, and cast your ballot all in one trip to the county board of elections.

To request an absentee application or for further information on absentee voting, contact - Matt.Fleming@oswegocounty.com

MILITARY  AND OVERSEAS VOTING 
Members of the military who are serving overseas and citizens who will be out of the country on Election Day must submit a Military or Special Federal application.  To download an application, click here.   
If you have questions regarding voting by military absentee, contact- Stacy.Teifke@oswegocounty.com
If you have questions regarding special federal absentee voting, contact- Morgan.Stobart@oswegocounty.com

ACCESSIBLE ABSENTEE VOTING
Visually impaired voters who wish to vote absentee may request an accessible ballot with access to assistive technologies.  Voters may apply for an accessible ballot online through the New York State Accessible Ballot Application Portal.  For more information on accessible voting, click here.

Those wishing to cast an accessible ballot who are in need of printing services can access such services at public printing resources, including (but not limited to) libraries, print stores, shipping stores and office supply store locations.  Voters should contact these locations for more information about printing services provided.

Visually impaired voters may still vote in-person on election day or during early voting using a Ballot Marking Device voting machine.  These machines are available at every poll site when open for voting.

ABSENTEE BALLOT TRACKING
If you have voted and returned your absentee ballot, you may check the status of your ballot by clicking here.

ABSENTEE FAQ

Keep in mind that unless the oath is signed and the ballot is enclosed in the secrecy envelope , your ballot will not be counted.  This ballot, if mailed, must be postmarked no later than the day before election or, if personally delivered, must be received by the Board of Elections no later than the close of polls on election day-9 p.m.

Upon completion, the application must be mailed to the board of elections no later than seven days before the election or delivered in person no later than the day before the election.

You may also apply online through the NYS website.  The link for the NYS Absentee Application Portal provided above.

Absentee ballots may also be requested by a letter which must be received by the board of elections no earlier than 30 days and no later than seven days before the election. This letter must contain:

• the address where you are registered,
• the address to which you want the ballot mailed,
• the reason for the request and,
• the signature of the applicant.

Remember, unless you are eligible for a permanent absentee ballot or will be continuously absent between the dates of the primary and general election, you must file an application for each election.

If you mail an application, it must be postmarked no later than fifteen days before the election for which you are requesting the absentee ballot. If you are delivering the application in person (or someone you have designated is delivering it for you) you may do so up until close of business (5 p.m.) the day before the Election.

Questions about the Oswego County Board of Elections?
E-Mail Democratic Commissioner Laura Brazak
E-Mail Republican Commissioner Peggy Bickford