An absentee ballot lets you vote without going to a polling place on election day. You request it in advance, mark it, and mail it back or drop it off. Every state offers some form of absentee voting.
A ballot cast by a voter other than in-person on election day. Some jurisdictions use the term synonymous with mailed ballots while other jurisdictions use the term synonymous with early voting.
Example
A service member deployed overseas requests an absentee ballot from their home state, marks it, and mails it back weeks before the deadline. The ballot arrives on time and is counted on election night.
Why this term matters
How it is used in election security
Vote-by-mail ballots are sent to all voters; absentee ballots are requested by individual voters
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A ballot cast by a voter other than in-person on election day. Some jurisdictions use the term synonymous with mailed ballots while other jurisdictions use the term synonymous with early voting.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Absentee Ballot. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 15, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/absentee-ballot
Sources
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High consensus
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Multi-source
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Multi-source
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