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I already registered using my permanent address. Do i need an absentee ballot? i'll be going to a different state for college

By Jenniferpa (Jenniferpa) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 06:09 pm: Edit

Yes you will. There are problems, however, with voting for the first time via an absentee ballot - will this be your situation?

By Bee (Bee) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

I'm in a similar situation (voting for my first time via absentee ballot at college). What are the problems with this?

By Jenniferpa (Jenniferpa) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 07:54 pm: Edit

The primary problem relates to identification, although the procedure will vary by state. In PA, for example, in order to vote for the first time one must produce photo identification (or acceptable substitute). Normally, that wouldn't be a problem: you'd register to vote by mail, turn up at your assigned balloting place and everything would be fine. However, if you register to vote by mail, then obtain an absentee ballot, there is no way for your identity to be checked. You should check with your own election board to ensure that your vote will indeed be counted.

By Clickspring (Clickspring) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 08:26 pm: Edit

Yup, request an absentee ballot

By Techieguy (Techieguy) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 08:36 pm: Edit

I will be voting in New York yet my home address is in New Jersey. How do I request an absentee ballot? I recently got a postcard-like mail from the Superintendent of Elections basically saying "thx for registering to vote!". Should I contact this person?

By Clipper (Clipper) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 09:22 pm: Edit

Normally when you vote via absentee ballot you have someone witness your signature that you put across the sealed envelop and then they sign across the sealed envelop too.

By Xfro_Girl (Xfro_Girl) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 10:15 pm: Edit

In California all i had to do was sign a certain area that said that someone else was going to deliver my ballot for me then i had to put there name and have them sign it and that was it.

By Sareen_Eng (Sareen_Eng) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 10:21 pm: Edit

I live in Maryland but am going to WashU. How can I change my vote to be counted in Missouri instead of Maryland (Since MO is more of a swing state)?

By Winterfresh (Winterfresh) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 10:40 pm: Edit

Isn't true that absentee ballots are only used if the election is close?

By Ausmithe (Ausmithe) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 01:18 am: Edit

Winterfresh, you should register for an absentee ballot before you leave for school, the election does not have to be "close".

By Muppetcoat (Muppetcoat) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 09:55 am: Edit

You guys, keep in mind you can also register to vote in your state of college, thus avoiding absentee ballots altogether.


(VA voting in Philly... God knows it doesn't matter how many times I vote in VA it'll still go to Bush)

By Winterfresh (Winterfresh) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 02:27 pm: Edit

I just registered for an absentee ballot at my library. The guy confirmed that the ballots are used no matter what.