Absentee Ballot Instructions

Any qualified Palm Beach County voter is entitled to vote an absentee ballot. An absentee ballot may be requested in person at one of our offices, in writing, over the telephone or by completing our on-line application. Telephonic, written or facsimile requests should be directed to:

Supervisor of Elections

P.O. Box 22309
West Palm Beach , Florida 33416
Telephone: (561) 656-6200
Facsimile: (561) 656-6220

When requesting an absentee ballot, the voter must provide the following information:

· Name

· Residence address

· Address where the ballot is to be mailed

· Date of birth

· Local Telephone Number

· Out of Town Telephone Number

· Voter's signature (written requests only)

Absentee ballots are not forwardable.

Notify the elections office immediately should your residence or mailing address change.

If a member of the voter's immediate family^* makes the request, the requester must provide the voter's information listed above, as well as:

· Requester's name (if other than the voter)

· Requester's relationship to the voter (a member of the voter's immediate family)

· Requester's address

· Requester's driver's license number (if available)

· Requester's signature (written requests only)

* Immediate family is defined as: spouse, child, parent, grandparent or sibling.

A designee may pick up an absentee ballot for a voter beginning on the Thursday five (5) days before and including Election Day.
Designees must provide:

· Written authorization signed by the voter

· Present picture identification

· Sign an affidavit which includes required information for voter and designee

Please note: Florida Statute 101.62(4)(b)(4) limits pickups of absentee ballots by a designee to two (2) absentee ballots per election, other than their own or immediate family.

Download Affidavit to Pick-Up Absentee Ballot for a Voter Form (DS-DE 37)

It is imperative that when you vote by absentee ballot, you follow the instructions included with your absentee ballot very carefully! Detailed instructions are provided on the actual absentee ballots, as well as special instructions on the secrecy sleeve enclosed in the absentee ballot kit mailed to you. A voter must personally vote the ballot, unless assistance is required due to disability or inability to read/write.

In order for your ballot to be counted, your Voter's Certificate Envelope must contain your signature.

Florida Statutes requires the County Canvassing Board reject as illegal any absentee ballot that is not signed.

Your voted and signed absentee ballot must be received by the Main Office of the Supervisor of Elections by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. Branch offices close at 5:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Voted Absentee Ballots cannot be turned in at the polls!