Q: How do I request an absentee ballot?
A: Call our office at 828-764-9010. We will verify that you are registered to vote and that your address is correct. We will then send you a request form in the mail. Fill that out and return it to us.
Q: I received an absentee request form in the mail but did not request one. Is this legitimate?
A: Yes, those are legitimate. Several voter related agencies and party affiliates are sending out absentee request forms using their mailing lists. Feel free to fill that out and send it back to us. If you prefer one from the Board of Elections, call us and we will take care of you.
*If any part of a form that you received is prefilled out, it is not acceptable. You would then need to request a new form from the Board of Elections.
*Requests sent from the Board of Elections will come in a white envelope with your information handwritten on it. *
Q: I called and requested an absentee form but have not received it yet. Can you track it?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot track requests that are sent out. Once we receive your filled-out request, it is entered into the system and then we can verify that it has been returned.
Q: I am not registered to vote or have not voted in years. Can I still request an absentee ballot?
A: Absolutely. Along with your absentee ballot request, we will send you a registration form to fill out and send back to us. It is imperative that the registration form be returned ASAP. Last day for new registrations is October 9th at 5pm
Q: What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
A: October 27th at 5:00 P.M. for registered voters
Q: What is the deadline for my ballot to be returned?
A: If returned by mail, can be postmarked November 3rd (Election Day) and received in our office by November 6th. In person drop offs must be done by November 3rd (Election Day) at 5:00 P.M.
Q: When will ballots be mailed out?
A: We will start mailing out ballots on September 4th.
Q: If I request an absentee ballot, but decide to go vote in person, can I do that?
A: Yes. Simply tear up the ballot that you receive in the mail. You can go to any of the early voting sites or your designated election day polling location.
Q: I am registered as one party but prefer a candidate from another party in one particular office. Do I have to vote by my party, or can I vote for anyone?
A: In the general election, you may vote for anyone on the ballot. It is not party specific. That only applies in primary elections (i.e. March 2020).
Q: What are the witness requirements for an absentee ballot?
A: The absentee ballot request does not require a witness. However, once you receive your actual ballot, you will have to have 1 (one) witness on the return form. (This exception is valid for the November 3rd election only at this time)
Q: Is there a drop box at the Board of Elections for returned ballots or forms?
A: No. Those must either be mailed back to us or returned to a staff member in the office or a poll worker at a precinct. May be returned by the voter or a near relative
Q: Will I receive a confirmation that my request for a ballot has been received?
A: No. We do not mail out any confirmations after receiving your request. You may call our office to confirm though.