Request an Absentee Ballot in East New York - City Voting

Elections and Campaign Finance New York 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of New York

In East New York, New York, absentee voting lets eligible residents receive and return a ballot by mail or approved delivery if they cannot vote in person. This guide explains who can apply, how to submit the official application, what to expect when your ballot arrives, and the local offices responsible for handling requests and questions. Use the official state and city pages linked below for application forms and up-to-date deadlines.[1]

Eligibility & Overview

Eligibility for an absentee ballot in New York is determined by state election law and includes categories such as illness or infirmity, absence from the county on election day, or disability. Confirm your category and any required documentation with the official guidance before applying. The state Board of Elections explains categories and basic procedures on its absentee voting page.[1]

  • Voter is absent from the county on election day.
  • Voter is temporarily or permanently sick or disabled.
  • Voter is serving as an election worker or has duties that prevent in-person voting.
  • Other state-recognized reasons; check the official list before applying.
Apply early to allow time for mail delivery and any follow-up from election officials.

Application Overview

To request an absentee ballot you must submit the official application form with the required information and signature. Applications are processed by the Board of Elections that serves Brooklyn (Kings County) and by the New York State Board of Elections for statewide rules. Local drop-off and contact options are provided by the City Board of Elections for New York City voters.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Fraud related to absentee ballots is addressed under New York law and enforced by state or local authorities; specific fines and statutory sections are not listed verbatim on the cited guidance pages and therefore are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: prosecution, court orders, or voided ballots may apply; exact remedies not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: New York State Board of Elections and local district attorneys investigate and prosecute election crimes; contact pathways are on official pages.[1]
  • Appeal/review: procedures for contesting an enforcement action are set under state law; time limits and appeal routes are not specified on the cited page.
If you suspect ballot tampering, report it promptly to the Board of Elections and local law enforcement.

Applications & Forms

The official Absentee Ballot Application is provided by the New York State Board of Elections; the state page links to the current application and explains submission methods. Fees are not required to apply for an absentee ballot. Submission methods (mail, in-person delivery to the board office, or other authorized drop-off) are described on the city and state pages.[1]

FAQ

How do I know if I qualify for an absentee ballot?
You must fit a state-recognized category such as illness, absence from county, or disability; check the NYS guidance and select the correct reason on the application.
Where do I send my absentee ballot application?
Send the completed application to the Board of Elections for Kings County (Brooklyn) or submit as directed on the NYC Board of Elections page for absentee voting.[2]
Is there a fee to apply for an absentee ballot?
No fee is required to apply for an absentee ballot under New York election procedures.

How-To

  1. Check your eligibility and find the official absentee application on the New York State Board of Elections page.
  2. Complete the application fully, including the reason for absentee voting and your signature.
  3. Submit the application according to instructions (mail or deliver to the Kings County/NYC Board of Elections) before the deadline listed on the official page.
  4. When the ballot arrives, follow the enclosed instructions, sign any required oath, and return the ballot by the method allowed.
  5. If you have problems, contact the NYC Board of Elections or the Kings County office for assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply early and follow the official form instructions exactly.
  • No fee is required; the official state page has the current application.
  • Contact the NYC Board of Elections for local submission options and questions.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] New York State Board of Elections - Absentee Voting
  2. [2] NYC Board of Elections - Absentee Voting