09/22/2026
🗳️ EARLY MAIL VOTING VS. ABSENTEE VOTING IN NEW YORK
New York voters now have two options for receiving a ballot by mail:
📬 Early Mail Ballot
Any registered voter may request an Early Mail Ballot—no reason or excuse is required.
♿ Absentee Ballot
An absentee ballot is available to voters who meet a qualifying reason, such as being away from the county on Election Day, having an illness or disability, serving as a caregiver, or another reason permitted by law.
Both ballots are completed and returned in essentially the same manner. The main difference is whether the voter must provide a qualifying reason.
Print the Early Mail Ballot Application here:
https://elections.ny.gov/early-vote-mail-application-english
Apply online here:
https://ballotapplication.elections.ny.gov/home/earlymail
For the November 3, 2026 General Election, an application to have a ballot mailed to you must be received by the Monroe County Board of Elections no later than October 24, 2026. Applications may be submitted in person through November 2, 2026.
⚠️ Important: Once an Early Mail or Absentee Ballot has been issued to you, you may not vote on a voting machine for that election. If you later choose to vote in person, you will be required to vote by affidavit ballot.
Please allow plenty of time to receive, complete and return your ballot.
For additional information, visit:
https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot
Find information on requesting an early mail or absentee ballot.
