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.

Absentee voting basics

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

Absentee ballot rules

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

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

You can register to vote and apply for your absentee ballot at the same time using the Alaska's By-Mail Ballot Application.  Mail, fax, or email the completed form to the Division of Elections.  The address is on the form.  Your application must be received 30 days before an the election. 

If you don't plan on voting by absentee ballot, you should download and complete the Alaska voter registration application.  Mail the completed application to the Regional Elections Office closest to your Alaska residence.

Verify your voter registration

You should receive written confirmation that your voter registration was processed in 2-3 weeks.  Don't panic if you never receive your voter registration card: you don't actually need it to vote.  If you not sure if your registration was processed - or if you simply can't remember if you're register to vote - you can verify your voter registration here.

Apply for your absentee ballot

Absentee voting by mail: 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 (address below).  Your absentee ballot application must be received by 10 days before an election.

Absentee Voting Office
619 E. Ship Creek Ave., Suite 329
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-1677
FAX: (907) 677-9943
E-mail: akabsentee@alaska.gov

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.  

Additional Information