Please read all information carefully, as how and when absentee ballots are counted has changed. Voters no longer have the ability to request an absentee ballot and then later change their mind and vote in person. Any questions should be directed to the Board of Elections by calling 845-334-5470, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm or emailing elections@co.ulster.ny.us
Application Request
To request an absentee ballot you may apply for one in any of the following ways:
- Download an absentee ballot application (English application)
- Online Absentee Portal – electronic application
- NYS Fillable Absentee ballot application
- Download an absentee ballot (Spanish application)
- *Handicapped Accessible Electronic Absentee Ballot Application
- Note – Voters using the handicapped accessible absentee ballot system in need of printing services in order to print their ballot can access such services at certain public printing resources, including but not limited to, libraries, print stores, shipping stores, and office supply stores. Voters should contact their local printing resources for details on the printing services offered. Voters using the accessible absentee ballot system can also print their absentee ballots at the County Board offices. In-person voting using an accessible Ballot Marking Device (“BMD”) during early voting or on Election Day is still available to voters with a disability who do not want to vote by absentee ballot using the accessible absentee ballot system. As always, please contact our office with any questions (845)334-5470.
Mail your Application to:
Ulster County Board of Elections
79 Hurley Ave, Suite 112
Kingston, NY 12401
Email your completed application to: absentees@co.ulster.ny.us
If a voter chooses to vote by absentee, they should expect to receive a ballot with two envelopes, an inner oath envelope and an outer return envelope. Once the ballot is marked and placed in the inner envelope, it is critical that the voter sign, and date the inner absentee ballot envelope on the space provided and seal it. That is placed in the outer envelope, which has the Board’s return mail information printed on it, and returned to the Board of Elections.
Military / Overseas Information
- Download Military/Overseas Voter Application
- Federal Voting Assistance Program Website
- Military and Overseas Federal Voting Website
- Video – How To Vote Absentee when you are in the Military
Additional Information
Important Dates:
October 23rd: Last day for board of elections to RECEIVE application or letter of application by mail or online portal for general election ballot Sec 8-400(2)(c)
October 28th: Last day for board of elections to RECEIVE application for military/special/federal/UOCAVA absentee ballot for general if not previously registered Sec 10-106(5), 11-202(1)(a)
October 31st: Last day for board of elections to RECIEVE application for military/special/federal/UOCAVA absentee ballot for general if already registered Sec 10-106(6), 11-202(1)(b)
November 6th: Last day to apply in person at the Board of Elections for general election ballot Sec 8-400(2)(c)
November 7th: Last day to postmark general election ballot. Must be received by the county board no later than November 14th Sec 8-412(1)
November 7th: Last day to deliver general election ballot in person to your county board of elections or any Ulster County operated poll site, by close of polls on election day Sec 8-412(1)
- Absentee ballots must be requested. They will not automatically be mailed unless you apply using the reason “Permanent Illness”
- For additional information email absentees@co.ulster.ny.us or call (845)334-5470
- Printable PDF of Absentee Ballot Changes effective 4/1/2022
- NYS Canvassing Guidance effective 4/1/2022
Eligibility
You may vote by absentee ballot if you will be:
- unavoidably absent from your county on Election Day
- unable to appear at the polls due to illness or disability
- a patient in a Veterans’ Administration Hospital
- detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony
- Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability
- Unable to appear because you are the primary care giver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled.