Alaska Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should visit the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by voters with US mailing addresses.

Important Deadlines

• Voter registration form: Received at least 30 days before the election
• Absentee ballot application: Received 10 days before the election
• Voted absentee ballot: Postmarked on or before election day

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

You have three options.

Alaska offers online application tools for both registration and absentee voting.  Use Alaska's online registration tool.

You can also use our Voter Registration Widget.  Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the Secretary of State (the address is on the form).

Or you can download and complete one of two forms. Alaska's absentee ballot application allows you to register and apply for your absentee ballot all at once; use Alaska's voter registration application if you do not intend to vote absentee.  Print and mail the completed application to the Regional Elections Office closest to your Alaska residence.  The addresses are on the form. 

Any way you do it, your application must be received 30 days before an the election.

Verify your voter registration

It's best to verify your voter registration before applying for your absentee ballot.  If there's a problem with your registration, register again before proceeding.

NOTE: Most people receive their voter registration cards in the mail 2-3 weeks after registering to vote. Don't worry if you lost or never received it. You don't actually need your voter registration card to vote.

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

Good news! Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in Alaska.

Apply for your absentee ballot

Absentee voting by mail: Use can use Alaska's online absentee voting application tool.  Just follow the instructions.

You can also Download and complete Alaska's By-Mail Ballot Application.  Mail, fax, email, or hand-deliver your completed absentee application to the Division of Elections/Absentee Voting Office in Anchorage.  Your absentee ballot application must be received by 10 days before an election.  (If you're registering and applying for an absentee ballot at the same time, the form must be received 30 days before the election.)

If you're away at college, temporarily outside the county, or physically disabled, someone may apply on your behalf if the person is authorized to do so under a general power of attorney or a special power of attorney.  He or she must include a copy of the power of attorney with the absentee ballot application. 

Absentee voting by fax: Alaska allows residents to vote absentee by fax. If you choose this option, you are voluntarily waiving your right to a secret ballot.  The application for an absentee by-fax ballot is posted 15 days before the election until 5pm the day before an election on the Division of Election's website.  Fax or email (in pdf format) your completed application to the email address address on the form.

Receive, complete, and return your absentee ballot

You will be sent a ballot and a return envelope. Fill out the ballot and make sure to sign the return envelope where indicated. You also must include an "identifier" such as your voter number (if you know it), date of birth, Alaska driver's license number, or last 4 digits of your social security number. Then have the envelope signed by a "witness"- either a notoray or anyone over the age of 18.  Then put a stamp on it, mail your ballot back to the address listed on the return envelope.  But be sure to meet Alaska's ballot return deadline or your ballot won't be counted. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot?

If you're registering for the first time in Alaska, you must verify your identity either when you register to vote or the first time you vote (either in person or via absentee ballot).  You can verify your identity by submitting a copy of one of the following with your voter registration form: current and valid photo identification; driver’s license; passport; state identification card; birth certificate; hunting and Fishing license.

Additionally, if you register to vote - or apply for an absentee ballot - from outside of Alaska, you must submit proof of your Alaska residency.   You can provide a copy of your current Alaska driver's license, Alaska hunting or fishing license; student loan or college tuition documents showing Alaska as your state of residence; proof of employment in Alaska; or military leave and earnings statement that identifies Alaska as the state of legal residence.  Proof of your Alaska residency must be in your own name.  If you do not provide proof of Alaska residency, your application(s) will not be processed.  

Can I vote in person before the election?

Yes. Check out our Early Voting page for details.

Additional Information