Voting by Absentee Ballot Deadline is This Week

By WYDaily Staff Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The deadline to apply to vote by absentee ballot for the November election is Tuesday for mailed applications, and October 30 is the deadline to apply and vote absentee at a local registrar’s office.

“We are strongly encouraging qualified voters to consider voting by absentee ballot,” said Nancy Rodrigues, Secretary of the State Board of Elections. “We want to make sure all registered voters have access to the election process and that those voters who qualify to vote by absentee ballot are aware of this option. It’s all part of our effort to make sure Virginians are as prepared as possible for Election Day.”

Under state law, any voter who can answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions may qualify to vote absentee ballot:

Does your work day, including your commute time, keep you away from home for 11 hours or more?

Are you the primary caregiver for a family member confined at home?

Are you disabled or suffering from an illness?

Are you a student away at school or a spouse of a student?

Are you pregnant?

Will you be away for business reasons?

Are you temporarily residing outside of the United States?

Do you have a religious obligation?

Will you be away on vacation or personal business?

Are you a member of the Merchant Marines or U.S. Uniformed Services on active duty or are you the spouse of an active duty service member?

Will you be serving as an election official?

Will you be confined either awaiting trial or already convicted of a misdemeanor?

To obtain a Virginia absentee ballot application or check to see if you are registered to vote, go to the Virginia State Board of Elections web site or visit one of the Triangle registrars' offices in person or online: York County, Williamsburg or James City County.