What does it mean to vote absentee or vote-by-mail?

You cast your ballot by mail. Some states require a reason or excuse, while others permit any registered voter to cast a by-mail ballot. Many states’ absentee/mail-in voting guidelines for eligibility are evolving and expanding in response to the pandemic; consult your state’s election office website for the most updated information. College students are permitted to vote either in their home county or where they attend school; if they will be absent from their home state/county but wish to vote there on Election Day, they are eligible to vote absentee. Ensure that you’re registered at the address at which you want to vote, whether that be in your home state/county or at school.

Remember that absentee/mail-in voting is a two-step process:

  1. Requesting your ballot

  2. Returning your completed ballot 

** A few states require additional steps, such as sending a copy of photo ID or getting your forms notarized; take a look at our online guide for more information. 

** Allow ample time (JumboVote suggests at least 2 weeks in advance) to mail your application and ballot so that it reaches your county’s election office by the deadline

How do I know if absentee voting is right for me?

  • You’re invested in issues in your home community

  • You’re from an area with competitive elections

  • You’re from a state where the youth vote will be of particular significance. According to CIRCLE’s Youth Electoral Significance Index, the youth vote will have an especially high impact in the following states for the following races:

  • You’re from MA but are unable to return to your home town to vote at your polling place on election day or have health concerns relating to the pandemic

  • Note that if you are on a state scholarship with specific residency requirements, voting in MA could change your eligibility

States with restrictions to absentee voting:

Notary or witness signature required with absentee ballot application

  • MS, SC

Notary or witness signature required with absentee ballot return

  • AL, AK, LA, MS, MO, NC, OK, RI, SC, VA, WI

Copy of ID required with absentee ballot return

  • AL, AR

How do I vote absentee?

Check your voter registration: Check to ensure that you are registered at the correct location. If you are voting by mail, this is likely your home address.

Getting your ballot: Print an absentee ballot request form or complete one online. When your request is approved, your election official will mail you a ballot.

Voting by mail: Once you receive your ballot, fill it out as soon as possible and mail it back in to your local election official. Take note of any requirements like a notary signature or signatures of witnesses. JumboVote can help you get any necessary form notarized. Check the absentee ballot return deadlines in your state to know when you must return it. 

 
This JumboVote tutorial teaches you how to request your absentee ballot in Massachusetts!
 
 

What is my on-campus mailing address at Tufts?

When addressing mail, your address should be formatted as follows:

Full Name

Residence Hall & Room#

Tufts University

c/o 389 Boston Ave

Medford, MA 02155

Use this address if you’re trying to have election mail sent to you on-campus; this is the format that Tufts Mail Services indicates. This is not the address you should use for voter registration if you intend to vote from your on-campus Tufts address. Find more information about how to register at your on-campus address here.

Where can I get stamps? Stamps are available for purchase at the UPS store near Curtis Hall and in the Campus Center Info Booth. 

 
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Learn more about state-by-state deadlines