Voting by Absentee Ballot
Voting by absentee ballot can be super tricky. The window in which citizens can request an absentee ballot and the deadline by which those ballots are due can be frustratingly small. The process of requesting a ballot, receiving that ballot, and returning that ballot can be very slow. All in all, voting by absentee can be a huge headache.
However, don’t despair! Absentee ballots are important so don’t let the headache bring you down. They let you have your say even when you’re not in your hometown. Plus (Holy Hanging Chads, Batman!), Tufts Votes can help!
The Harvard Institute of Politics has a fantastic, easy to use, absentee voter’s guide with state-by-state specificity. Like a powerful prescription medication, it will knock the headache out of the process. Unfortunately, it is down temporarily while the Institute of Politics revamps its website.
If you are going abroad, we suggest using the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Developed for overseas members of the armed forces, it is an easy-to-use option for students abroad. Additionally, the Overseas Voter Foundation is a really helpful resource. They have options for back-ups in case your state-sponsored absentee ballot doesn't show up -- extra helpful if you're being an active international citizen!
If you have questions, please contact us or your Secretary of State or local election official.