Absentee Ballots
- Absent from your county (or, if a resident of New York City, absent from the five boroughs) on Election Day.
- Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability.
- Primary caregiver for one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled.
- Resident or patient in a Veterans Health Administration Hospital.
- Detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison for an offense other than a felony
- Mail: Submit a paper absentee application. Download Application
- Letter: Mail a letter with required information (details below).
- Online: Use the New York State Absentee Portal Standard | Accessible (for visually impaired voters).
- In-Person: Visit the Board of Elections office.
- Name and date of birth of the voter.
- Registered address.
- Address for ballot delivery.
- Reason for absentee voting.
- An application form will accompany your ballot if you apply by letter.
- Designate someone to pick up your ballot if necessary.
- Permanent illness or disability? Apply once to receive ballots for all future elections.
- Military or overseas voter? Apply here.
- Special needs voter? Use the Accessible Absentee Ballot Application.
- Questions? Contact Niagara County Board of Elections at 111 Main St., Suite 100, Lockport, NY 14094. Phone: (716) 438-4040 (Republican), (716) 438-4041 (Democratic).
- Online, email, or fax: 15 days before the election.
- In-person: Up to the day before the election.
- Note: Post Office advises applying at least 15 days before an election for timely delivery.
- Mark your ballot as instructed.
- Place the ballot in the Security Envelope and sign it.
- Put the Security Envelope in the Return Envelope and seal it.
- Return methods: Mail, personal delivery at Board of Elections, drop off at early voting or election day site
- Ballot must be postmarked by election day and received within 7 days after the election.
- USPS advises allowing sufficient mailing time.
- Check the status of your Absentee Ballot here.
- Oct 23: Last day to postmark application or letter for ballot.
- Nov 6: Last day to apply in person for ballot.
- Nov 7: Last day to postmark ballot. Must be received by Nov 15th.
- Nov 7: Last day to deliver ballot in person by close of polls.