Vote AK

Absentee Voting Information

Absentee Voting Basics in Alaska

Regardless of whether you are out of state for business, on vacation, in school, are a military member or otherwise, Alaska’s mail-in absentee voting process provides a systematic and efficient means to make certain your vote is counted. Vote AK strives to make the absentee ballot process as simple and easy as possible for all qualified voters. Below is a guide that details how to successfully apply for and vote using an absentee ballot by mail, as well as important deadlines, requirements, and tips to make sure your vote counts.

Eligibility for Voting Absentee in Alaska

An absentee voter is a registered voter who, for any reason, chooses to vote away from their precinct on Election Day. Alaska does not require a statement of justification showing the need to vote absentee. In other words, because we have no-excuse absentee voting in Alaska, you don’t have to give a reason for casting your ballot absentee. Reasons commonly given by Alaskans to vote absentee include:

  • You will be outside your home precinct on Election Day
  • On account of illness or disability
  • With regard to military service or your spouse or parent being stationed overseas
  • Because you live in a remote area and lack transportation to get to the polls on Election Day
  • You want to vote by mail

If you are a registered voter in Alaska, you have the right to submit an application for an absentee ballot in connection with any state, federal, or local election.

Applying for an Absentee Ballot, Step-by-Step

Applying for an absentee ballot in Alaska is easy and secure. You can submit your request in three ways:

  • You may complete the online secure absentee ballot application via the Alaska Division of Elections website by providing your Alaska driver’s license or state ID number, and your current mailing address.
  • You may print out and complete the paper absentee ballot application form provided on the Alaska Division of Elections website, then sign and send the form to your Regional Elections Office by mail, fax, or email.
  • You also have the option of requesting and submitting an absentee ballot application in person at your Regional Elections Office.

When you submit your absentee ballot application, be sure to:

  • Provide your full legal name, date of birth, and registration address
  • Provide the address to which you want your ballot mailed
  • Sign and submit the application (the form may be electronically or physically signed)

Absentee ballot applications must be received by 10 days before Election Day, but apply as soon as possible to allow for sufficient time in the mail. For more details, you can visit our Absentee Voting Information page.

Receiving and Completing Your Absentee Ballot

If your absentee ballot application was approved, the Division of Elections will send your ballot to the address you provided. In general, ballots for primary and general elections are mailed out 25 days before Election Day. (Ballots to military and overseas voters may be mailed out sooner.)

When you receive your ballot:

  • Before marking the ballot, read all instructions thoroughly
  • Use a blue or black ink pen to fill in ovals completely
  • Make sure you completed all parts of the ballot and any signature or identification mark required

If you have questions about your ballot, or believe a mistake was made, ask the Division of Elections or Vote AK for help. Do not use white-out or tape to correct errors. If needed, ask for a replacement ballot.

Submitting an Absentee Ballot

Once you have completed the absentee ballot, be sure to return your ballot according to instructions so that it will be counted. In Alaska, an absentee ballot may be returned by mail, in person, or by fax (limited to certain voters):

  • By mail – Place the completed ballot inside the secrecy envelope and seal it. Place the secrecy envelope inside the return mailing envelope. On the return mailing envelope, sign the voter’s affidavit and have an adult (anyone 18 years or older) witness your signature. Mail your ballot to the address on the return mailing envelope.
  • In person – Deliver your completed absentee ballot to any Regional Elections Office or official absentee ballot drop box.
  • By fax – Military and overseas voters and voters with qualifying disabilities may return their ballot by fax by following the instructions enclosed with their absentee ballot package.

Your completed absentee ballot will be accepted if it is postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Division of Elections within 10 days after the election. Returning ballots by mail as soon as possible is highly recommended because of possible delays in the mail.

Deadlines and Critical Dates for Voting by Absentee Ballot

You have to pay attention to deadlines when you vote absentee. When it comes to most elections in Alaska, here is what you need to know:

  • Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the Division of Elections at least 10 days before Election Day.
  • Absentee ballots go out in the mail to voters starting 25 days before Election Day.
  • Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day, and received no later than 10 days after Election Day.

For the latest on deadlines for upcoming elections, check out Vote AK’s Election Dates and Deadlines page or the Alaska Division of Elections’ main page.

Extra Considerations for Military and Abroad Voters

Alaska is dedicated to assisting military members, their families, and overseas voters at home and abroad through the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Those eligible to vote include:

  • Active duty military and their dependents stationed outside of Alaska
  • United States citizens residing overseas

The above voters may:

  • Apply for an absentee ballot up to 365 days in advance of an election
  • Request that their ballot be sent to them via mail, fax, or secure internet delivery of their requested ballot
  • Return the voting materials by mail or fax

Military and overseas voters should apply as quickly as possible and verify their registration and contact information to guarantee receipt of a ballot.

How to Ensure Your Absentee Ballot Will Be Counted

To ensure your absentee ballot is properly counted, be sure to:

  • Sign the return envelope and have the signature witnessed
  • Put the ballot in the correct return envelope and secrecy sleeve
  • Be sure all required fields are completed according to the instructions
  • Mail the absentee ballot sooner rather than later and allow enough time for mail transit
  • In most cases, you can verify the status of your returned ballot by using the Division of Elections absentee ballot tracking tool online

Frequently Asked Questions About Voting Absentee

Q: Am I eligible to vote absentee even if I’m not traveling on Election Day?
A: Yes. Alaska allows no-excuse absentee voting, which means any registered voter can request and cast an absentee ballot for any reason.
Q: I applied for an absentee ballot but later decide to vote in person. Will I still be able to vote?
A: You can vote at your polling location. Notify election officials that you applied for an absentee ballot, and you will probably have to vote a questioned ballot in person.
Q: If I don’t receive my absentee ballot, what do I do?
A: Call your Regional Elections Office or Vote AK for help. You may be able to vote early in person, or order a replacement ballot.

For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Additional Resources and Sources of Assistance

Vote AK aims to present straightforward, current information on all aspects of absentee voting in Alaska. Check our Resources for Voters Library for printable guides, key deadlines, contact info for local election officials, and other useful tools. For specific questions or additional assistance, contact the Vote AK Team:

Address:200 W 57th St Fl 42 New York NY 10019
Phone:(646) 507-8852
E-mail:[email protected]
Website:https://vote-ak.com/

Note: If you need legal counsel or have an especially complex voting problem, consult a qualified legal professional.

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