November 1, 2012
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Absentee Ballot

 
Absentee Ballot Application 

Military/Overseas Absentee Application

Absentee ballot applications may be printed from the Link at the top of this page and mailed to:

Lehigh County Voter Registration
17 S. Seventh St.
Allentown, PA 18101-2401

What I need to know about voting by Absentee Ballot due to the Voter ID Law

  • New identification requirements take effect in November 2012.
  • Voters must provide PA drivers license number, last 4 digits of Social Security Number, or a copy of an accepted photo ID when applying for an absentee ballot.
  • Voters may provide identifying number to county over the phone, by email or mail.
  • Identification will be verified by the county board of elections before the voters ballot will be counted.  Voters have 6 days following an election to provide the necessary identification.
  • UOCAVA voters and voters affected by the Voting Accessibility for Elderly and Handicapped Act are exempt.

Who may vote by absentee ballot?

  • Members of the armed forces whether registered or not.
  • Hospitalized or bedridden veterans OUTSIDE the county of residence, whether registered or not.
  • Spouses and dependents of members of the armed forces residing with or accompanying them and absent from the municipality of residence.
  • Members of the Merchant Marine, and their spouses and dependents residing with or accompanying them and absent from the municipality of residence.
  • Persons in a religious or welfare group and their spouses and dependents residing with or accompanying them and absent from the municipality of residence.
  • Persons who, because of illness or physical disability, are unable to attend their polling place.
  • Persons that expect to be absent from the municipality of residence because of duties, vacation, occupation or business.
  • Persons that will be observing a religious holiday.
  • County employees who cannot vote due to duties on election day

How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

You may make application for an absentee ballot by submitting (in person or by mail) a letter or application to Lehigh County Voter Registration. If submitting a letter, it should contain the following information:

  1. Name of voter
  2. Residential address
  3. Date of birth
  4. Reason for request
  5. Where to mail ballot
  6. Signature of applicant
  7. All voters must include a form of picture ID with this application or a PA Driver License number or the last 4 digits of their Social Security number.

Approved forms of photo ID All with valid expiration Dates are as follows:

  • Pa driver's license or ID card issued by PennDOT
  • ID issued by any other Commonwealth agency
  • ID issued by the US Government
  • US Passport
  • US Armed Forces ID
  • Student ID
  • Employee ID

When do I apply for an application?

  • March 5, 2012 for the General Primary held on April 24, 2012.
  • September 17, 2012 for the General Election held on November 6, 2012.

What is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 for the Primary or, Tuesday,October 30, 2012 for the General Election. However, it is highly recommended that you apply as early as possible to allow time for necessary mailings.

When must the ballot be returned?

All voted absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012, for the General Primary, and no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2012, prior to the General Election. NOTE: Any voted ballot received in our office after the designated deadline will NOT be counted.

Do I have to know my precinct in order to apply for an absentee ballot?

It is probably beneficial to know your precinct, but not necessary. If you are a qualified elector, in Lehigh County, the Voter Registration office can process your application.

Can I FAX my absentee ballot application or apply on line?

No. The absentee voter's original signature is required.

Do post marks count when submitting an absentee ballot application or when returning the voted ballot?

No. The absentee ballot application must be in the Election Board office no later than 5:00 p.m. on theTuesday prior to the Election. The actual voted ballot must be in the Election Board Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the Election.

Is there 'Early Voting' in Pennsylvania?

No, only absentee voting. 

How can I have my name placed on the permanent absentee list?
Permanently sick or disabled voters may be placed on a list to automatically receive an absentee ballot application prior to every election in which that voter is eligible to vote. Call the Election Board office at 610-782-3194 for assistance.

Important Information for All Absentee Voters.

With the exception of absentee voters who have a disability or who are overseas, all Absentee Ballots must be delivered to the County Board of Elections either in person or through the U.S. Postal Service. Absentee Ballots delivered by any other means for absentee voters who don't have a disability will not be accepted or counted by the County Board of Elections. Absentee Ballots and Alternative Ballots delivered for voters who do have a disability may be delivered by a third party who has written authorization from the disabled absentee or alternative ballot voter. Absentee Ballots delivered for an absentee voter who is overseas on Election Day may be made by an overseas delivery service.  

  
 
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