Request an Absentee or Mail Ballot - The Bronx, NYC

Elections and Campaign Finance New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of New York

In The Bronx, New York, voters who cannot vote in person may request an absentee or mail ballot under state and city election rules. This guide explains who can apply, how to submit an application, what to expect for return and deadlines, and where to get official forms and help. Follow official instructions closely and allow mailing time when you apply; some deadlines differ by election type. Information in this guide is based on official election authority pages and is current as of February 2026.

Apply early: mail delivery and office processing can delay receipt of your ballot.

What is an absentee or mail ballot

An absentee or mail ballot lets an eligible voter cast their ballot by mail or by authorized delivery when they cannot appear in person on Election Day. Eligibility, application methods, and return procedures are controlled by the New York State and New York City election authorities and their published forms and pages.

Penalties & Enforcement

Administration and enforcement of absentee voting rules in The Bronx are handled by the New York State Board of Elections and the Board of Elections in the City of New York; criminal prosecution for unlawful acts is handled by appropriate district attorneys and state enforcement agencies. Specific monetary fines and exact penalty amounts for mishandling or fraudulent use of absentee ballots are not specified on the cited page.[2]

If your ballot is rejected, you must act quickly to request review or a provisional remedy.
  • Enforcer: New York State Board of Elections and the Board of Elections in the City of New York; local prosecutors for criminal matters.
  • Appeals/review: procedures for review or contest are described by election authorities; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Inspection, complaints, and reporting: contact the Board of Elections in New York City or file complaints with local election officials.

Applications & Forms

You can apply online or download the official absentee ballot application from the Board of Elections in the City of New York. The application page includes online request options and instructions for mail or fax return; see the official application page for the current form and submission methods.Absentee Voting - Vote.NYC[1]

  • Common form: Absentee ballot application — available online at the city site and on the New York State Board of Elections site.
  • Deadlines: specific application and return deadlines vary by election and are posted on the official pages; check the official page before applying.[1]
  • Submission: online application, mail, or authorized delivery per the official instructions on the application page.[1]

How to prepare and return your ballot

Follow the instructions included with your absentee ballot precisely: sign where required, use the correct envelope, and return by the method allowed for that election (mail or authorized delivery). Keep proof of submission and track your ballot if tracking is offered by the election authority.

  • Timing: request early to allow for processing and mail delivery.
  • Ballot return methods: mail, return to designated drop-off locations if available, or follow authorized carrier instructions on the ballot packet.
  • Tracking: use any official tracking options provided by the Board of Elections.

FAQ

Who can request an absentee or mail ballot?
Any voter who meets the eligibility criteria set by New York State and the City of New York can apply; check the official absentee voting page for eligibility categories.
How do I apply?
Apply online via the Board of Elections city application page, or download and submit the state/city absentee ballot application by mail or authorized delivery as instructed on the official form.Apply online[1]
What if my ballot is rejected?
If a ballot is rejected, the election authority will provide notice and instructions for review or cure if available; contact the Board of Elections immediately for next steps.

How-To

  1. Confirm eligibility to vote absentee for the specific election.
  2. Submit an absentee ballot application online or by mail using the official application page or form.Start application[1]
  3. When you receive your ballot, follow the enclosed instructions exactly: mark, sign, and seal as required.
  4. Return your ballot by the method and before the deadline specified for that election.
  5. If the ballot is rejected, follow the review or cure instructions and contact the Board of Elections immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply early to allow for processing and mail delivery.
  • Use official application pages and forms from the Board of Elections.
  • Contact the Board of Elections for help and to report issues promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

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

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