What is an absentee ballot and how do I get one this year?

Arizona does not require voters to provide an excuse as to why they want to vote early. 

When it comes to voting early in elections, some states have restrictions around who can receive an absentee ballot. 

Some states require a voter to provide an accepted excuse for why they can’t vote on Election Day, like if they’re a college student out of state.

Arizona is one of many states that allows anyone to vote using an early ballot, no excuse needed. Simply preferring to vote by mail is reason enough.

However, outside of some small local elections, Arizona is not a state that automatically mails ballots to all registered voters. 

This means that if you’d like to receive a ballot in the mail to vote early, you must request one. 

You can either sign up for the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) to receive all ballots by mail for future elections or request a one-time ballot by mail. 

To request an early ballot for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election, first make sure you’re registered to vote by Monday, Oct. 7. Head to Service Arizona to register or make sure your information is up-to-date if you’re already registered. 

When it comes to requesting your ballot, you have several options: 

• AEVL applications can be submitted for both the AEVL and for one-time requests. If you have a valid Arizona ID, you can sign up for the AEVL using this online form.
  • Alternatively, you can print and complete the AEVL request form and return it by mail, fax, or email to your local county recorder’s office. You must sign up by Friday, Oct. 25.
• One-time applications: Request your one-time ballot-by-mail online by filling out this form. You can also call your local county recorder’s office and request a ballot-by-mail by providing your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying info.
  • Another option is to fill out and return a printable request form or simply email your local county recorder’s office, then respond with requested personal information. You must sign up for your one-time ballot-by-mail by Oct. 25.

Don’t know who your local county recorder is? Find that info here. 

To submit your completed mail-in ballot, you’ll need to return it by mail, place it in a designated dropbox, or take it to a voting center. 

The postal service recommends putting your ballot in the mail at least seven days before the election, so get your ballot in the mail as soon as possible. Postage is prepaid, so you don’t  need to add a stamp, and the envelope is already addressed to your local county recorder’s office. 

Ballots must be received by the county recorder’s office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can check to see the status of your ballot and make sure it was received here. 

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.