Yahoo News Explains: What is an absentee ballot?

Kayla Jardine
·Producer

It’s almost time to do your patriotic duty and cast your vote. But if you think you’re going to have trouble getting to the polls on Election Day, have no fear — absentee ballots are available.

Since 2004, the number of citizens voting early has been steadily increasing. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, absentee ballots made up 17% of the votes cast in 2016.

All 50 states will mail an absentee ballot to certain voters who request one. The keyword here is certain: 20 states require voters have an excuse to vote by absentee ballot.

Here are some of the most common reasons people need to vote by mail:

  • Absent from polling site on Election Day

  • Member of the armed forces

  • Temporarily living outside the U.S.

  • Fallen ill

  • Physical disability

Oregon and Washington are the only states where voters cast their ballots entirely by mail.

Colorado automatically sends absentee ballots to all residents; if these are returned, citizens are able to cast their vote at polling stations.

But don’t delay: All absentee ballots need to be mailed by Oct. 30.

However you plan to do it … just vote.