Request an Absentee Ballot in El Paso, TX

Elections and Campaign Finance Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Texas

El Paso, Texas voters who cannot vote in person may request an absentee (mail) ballot to cast their vote safely and on time. This guide explains eligibility, how to complete the official Application for Ballot by Mail, where to send it in El Paso County, key deadlines, how to return your ballot, and your appeal and complaint options. Follow the steps below to confirm eligibility, obtain the correct form, submit the application, and track or return your ballot.

Eligibility and Overview

Texas law allows voting by mail for specific reasons such as age (65 or older), disability, confinement, absence from the county, or service-related duties for certain elections. Confirm your eligibility and read the official instructions before applying. The statewide Application for Ballot by Mail (ABM) is used; complete it and submit to the El Paso County early voting clerk by the applicable deadline. For official guidance on requirements and the ABM form, see the Texas Secretary of State and El Paso County Elections pages Application and rules[1], ABM form (PDF)[2], and the El Paso County Elections site El Paso County Elections[3].

Apply early: the ABM must be received by the early voting clerk by the stated deadline.

How-To

  1. Check eligibility and voting schedule for the specific election.
  2. Download or obtain the Application for Ballot by Mail (ABM), or request it from the El Paso County Elections office.
  3. Complete the ABM accurately, including the reason for voting by mail and your signature.
  4. Submit the ABM to the El Paso County early voting clerk by the deadline (see official instructions). Methods include mail, in-person delivery, or any methods specified on the county page.
  5. When the ballot is issued, return it by the method allowed (mail or in-person drop-off) before the deadline; track your ballot if tracking is available.

Penalties & Enforcement

Absentee/mail voting is enforced under Texas election laws; improper use, fraud, or knowingly submitting a false application may lead to criminal prosecution and other sanctions. Specific monetary fine amounts are not provided on the cited page; see the cited official sources for statutory penalties or contact the enforcing office for details.[1]

  • Enforcer: El Paso County Elections Administrator and County Attorney handle investigations and prosecutions.
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: file complaints or provide evidence to the El Paso County Elections office or County Attorney's office.
  • Appeals/review: election contest or statutory review pathways under Texas Election Code; specific time limits are not specified on the cited county page.
  • Defences/discretion: statutory exemptions and requirements (e.g., valid reason or medical disability) may apply; requestors should retain documentation where relevant.
Report lost or tampered ballots immediately to the county elections office.

Applications & Forms

The official statewide form is the "Application for Ballot by Mail" (ABM). The form name and PDF are published by the Texas Secretary of State; it specifies the purpose and required information. Fees: none stated on the cited pages. Submission: send the completed ABM to the El Paso County early voting clerk by the deadline specified on the official instructions. If a county or municipal-specific form is required, it will be posted on the El Paso County Elections site.[2]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Submitting a false ABM (false statements) — criminal investigation or prosecution; monetary amounts not specified on the cited county page.
  • Altering or tampering with another person's ballot — criminal charges and ballot rejection.
  • Failing to sign or certify the ABM or ballot return envelope — ballot may be rejected; cure processes may be available depending on the election and applicable rules.

FAQ

Who can request a ballot by mail in El Paso, Texas?
Voters meeting Texas eligibility reasons such as age 65 or older, disability, confinement, absence from the county, or qualifying service may request a mail ballot; confirm on the Texas Secretary of State page and county instructions.
What is the form to request a mail ballot?
The statewide Application for Ballot by Mail (ABM) is used; it is available from the Texas Secretary of State and the El Paso County Elections office.
When must my ABM be received?
Follow the deadlines listed on the official ABM instructions and the El Paso County Elections site; apply early to ensure timely receipt.

How-To

  1. Confirm you meet a qualifying reason to vote by mail.
  2. Download and complete the ABM from the Texas Secretary of State or obtain it from El Paso County Elections.
  3. Submit the ABM to the El Paso County early voting clerk by the stated deadline (methods and address on the county page).
  4. When you receive your mail ballot, follow the instructions to mark, sign, and return it on time.
Keep a copy of your submitted ABM and note the submission date.

Key Takeaways

  • Start the process early to meet deadlines.
  • Use the official ABM form from the Texas Secretary of State.
  • Contact El Paso County Elections for local instructions and submission methods.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Texas Secretary of State - Request a Mail Ballot
  2. [2] Texas Secretary of State - Application for Ballot by Mail (PDF)
  3. [3] El Paso County Elections

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