Coronavirus should not be a political issue, but with presidential primaries and the general election coming up, it could soon directly impact our politics. We should protect not only our health, but our civil liberties at this time — and one of those civil liberties is our fundamental right to vote.
For many, the best way to vote while safeguarding your health during this time may be to vote by mail. It’s easy to request an absentee ballot and there’s still enough time to do so for most states with upcoming primaries. While some states limit who can vote absentee — for example, to people with health issues, disabilities, or other circumstances that may prevent them from voting in person — most states allow anyone to vote this way. If you live in a state with an upcoming primary where it is still possible to apply to vote absentee, find the date by which your application for an absentee ballot must be received and other requirements below.*
Remember that public health officials recommend that you not lick absentee ballot envelopes, but instead use a wet sponge or cloth to seal them.
Connecticut**
Date of primary: April 28
- Deadline: Application must be received by April 27; if you fax the form, make sure to also submit the original copy (with a wet signature) by April 28.
- How to apply: Apply by mail. To ensure faster receipt, fax your application in addition to mailing the original. If you apply after April 22, use an emergency form in addition to your application.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Delaware
Date of primary: April 28
- Deadline: Application must be received by April 24.
- How to apply: Request a ballot online or by mail, fax, or email.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Florida
Date of primary: March 17
- Deadline: Application must be received by March 16 or 17 (details below).
- How to apply: Request in person, or through a representative.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone until March 16; emergency is required to apply for an absentee ballot on election day (March 17).
Georgia
Date of primary: March 24
- Deadline: Application must be received by March 20.
- How to apply: Request by mail, fax, or email to your county Board of Registrars.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Illinois
Date of primary: March 17
- Deadline: Application must be received by March 12.
- How to apply: Request by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Indiana
Date of primary: May 5
- Deadline: Application must be received by April 22.
- How to apply: Request by mail, fax, or email.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Kansas
Date of primary: May 2
- Deadline: Request between April 3 and April 17. Voters who register as Democrats by March 9 should automatically receive an absentee ballot; the state’s Republican presidential primary has been canceled.
- How to apply: Request online.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Kentucky
Date of primary: May 19
- Deadline: Application must be received by May 12.
- How to apply: Request by contacting county clerk.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Louisiana
Date of primary: April 4
- Deadline: Application must be received by 4:30 PM on March 31.
- How to apply: Request online or by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Maryland
Date of primary: April 28
- Deadline: Application must be received by April 21 for a ballot to be delivered via mail or fax; by April 24 for online ballot delivery.
- How to apply: Request online or by mail, fax, or email.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Montana
Date of primary: June 2
- Deadline: Application must be received before 12 PM on June 1.
- How to apply: Request by mail or fax.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Nebraska
Date of primary: May 12
- Deadline: Application must be received by 6 PM on May 1.
- How to apply: Request by mail or fax to your county election official.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
New Jersey
Date of primary: June 2
- Deadline: Application must be received by May 26.
- How to apply: Request by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
New Mexico
Date of primary: June 2
- Deadline: Application must be received by 5 PM on May 29.
- How to apply: Request online or by mail (applications will be available in early April).
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
New York
Date of primary: April 28
- Deadline: Application must be postmarked by April 21.
- How to apply: Request by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Ohio
Date of primary: March 17
- Deadline: Application must be received by March 14.
- How to apply: Request by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Oregon
Date of primary: May 19
- Deadline: Voters will automatically be signed up to receive an absentee ballot upon registration; register to vote by April 28.
- How to apply: Automatic upon registration; register to vote.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Pennsylvania
Date of primary: April 28
- Deadline: Application must be received by 5 PM on April 21.
- How to apply: Request online or by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Rhode Island
Date of primary: April 28
- Deadline: Application must be received by 4 PM on April 7.
- How to apply: Request by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
South Dakota
Date of primary: June 2
- Deadline: Application must be received by 5 PM on June 1.
- How to apply: Request by mail.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
Washington, DC
Date of primary: June 2
- Deadline: Application must be received by May 26.
- How to apply: Request online or by mail, fax, or email.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
West Virginia
Date of primary: May 12
- Deadline: Application must be received by May 6.
- How to apply: Request by mail, fax, or email.
- Who can vote absentee: Excuse required.
Wisconsin
Date of primary: April 7
- Deadline: Application must be received by 5 PM on April 3.
- How to apply: Request online or by mail, fax, or email.
- Who can vote absentee: Everyone.
For more details on voting absentee, including information on how to request an absentee ballot in-person, visit vote.org. The nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) is also available to answer voting questions or to assist if you encounter problems. And remember, once you receive your absentee ballot: don’t lick the envelope.
* In nearly all states, individuals can also request an absentee ballot in person. For most states, the deadline is the same. The deadline to apply to vote absentee for the Alaska presidential primary may have already passed for most voters; we suggest you contact the Alaska Democratic Party directly with any questions at 907-258-3050. The Alaska Republican presidential primary contest has been canceled.
**Connecticut requires individuals who distribute five or more absentee ballot applications to people outside of their immediate family to register and obtain those forms from a local town clerk.
Nicole Hansen, Legal Extern, Voting Rights Project, ACLU
