Arizona Absentee and Early 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: Received at least 29 days before the election
• Absentee ballot application: Received by 5pm 11 days before the election
• Voted absentee ballot: Received by 7pm on election day

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: If you have an Arizona driver license or non-operating identification license number, you can register to vote online at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department website. 

You can also use our Voter Registration Widget. Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail the form and your proof of citizenship (see below) to your County Recorder. 

You can also download and complete the Arizona Voter Registration form. Mail your completed form and your proof of citizenship to your County Recorder.

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.   

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

Good news! Any voter in Arizona can vote by absentee ballot.  (Note: Arizona calls absentee ballots "early voting ballots.")

Apply for your absentee ballot

There is no formal absentee ballot application in Arizona, but we've created one that meets all legal requirements: Arizona Early Voting Ballot Application.  Make sure to print and sign your application. Mail your completed application to your County Recorder's office.

Alternately, some county recorders will let you apply online.  Visit your County Recorder's website to see if this is an option in your county.    

Early ballots may be requested up to 93 days before the election. The last day to request an early ballot is 11 days before an election.

Receive, complete, and return your absentee ballot

Once you receive your absentee ballot, fill it out, stamp it, and mail it back to your County Recorder's Office. Your ballot must be received by 7pm on Election Day in order to be counted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I meet the proof of citizenship requirements?

Your voter registration form will be rejected if it does not include proof of citizenship.  If you have an Arizona state issued ID (driver license or non-operating identification card issued after October 1, 1996) this will serve as proof of citizenship and no additional documents are needed. If not, you must attach one of the following documents:  

• A legible photocopy of a birth certification that verifies citizenship and supporting legal documentation (i.e. marriage certificate) if the name on the birth certificate is not the same as your current legal name
• A legible photocopy of the pertinent pages of your passport
• A copy of your U.S. naturalization documents
• A copy of your Tribal Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs Affidavit of Birth

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

No, but Arizona will not issue an absentee ballot if the state cannot verify your identity or citizenship status when you make your request for a ballot.  It's best to verify your voter registration before attempting to apply for an absentee ballot.  

I missed the absentee ballot application deadline.  Is there anything I can do? 

If you've missed the absentee/early voting deadline, and an unforeseen circumstance occurs which will prevent you from voting at the polling place, emergency early voting is permitted. Contact your County Recorder's Office to learn more about emergency early voting.

Can I vote by absentee ballot on a permanent basis?

If your mailing address is the same as home address - or if your mailing address is in the same county as your home address - you can add add your name to the Arizona "Permanent Early Voting List." Once you are on this list, an early ballot will automatically be mailed to you approximately 26 days prior to each election for which you are qualified to vote.  You can use the Arizona Early Voting Ballot Application to add your name to the permanent early voting list. 

Additional Information