Utah 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: Postmarked at least 30 days before the election.  Fifteen days before if registering in person, though you will not qualify to vote early
• Absentee ballot application: Received the Friday before the election
• Voted absentee ballot: Postmarked the day before Election Day, and received no later than noon of the first day of canvassing (usually the Monday following an election)

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

We recommend using our Voter Registration Widget.  Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  You can also use the Utah Mail-in Voter Registration Form.  Sign your completed form and mail it to your County Clerk.  The address is on the form.

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 use the voter registration verification tools here.

Apply for your absentee ballot

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

Download and complete the Utah Absentee Ballot Application. For absentee voting in statewide general and primary elections (held in even-numbered years), your application should be filed by mail or in person with your County Clerk.  For municipal primary and general elections (held in odd numbered years), your application should be filed by mail or in person with your City Clerk or Recorder (click on the "member directory" link on the left).

Receive, complete, and return your absentee ballot

The ballot is pretty straightforward.  Complete all required sections and sign where indicated.  If someone helped you read or fill out the ballot, have your ballot notarized or signed by a witness.  Mail your completed ballot back to the address printed on the form.  Your ballot must be postmarked the day before the election.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You do not need to provide ID if you've voted in person at Utah once.  If you are a first-time voter and you did not include a copy of your photo ID or your proof of residency with your voter registration form, include it with your Absentee Ballot Application.  Include a copy of a one valid form of photo identification that shows your name and Utah address (ex: Utah license, Utah state ID card, US passport or Military ID), or two different documents that show your name and Utah address (current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document).

Can I vote by absentee ballot on a permanent basis?

YES!  You can use the Utah Absentee Ballot Application to apply for permanent absentee voter status -- simply check off the box.  Once you're approved, Utah will automatically send you an absentee ballot for each eligible election.  This is a great way to make sure you never miss another election!

What if I need an emergency absentee ballot?

If you are hospitalized or otherwise confined to a medical or long-term care institution after the deadline for filing an application for an absentee ballot, you may obtain an Emergency Absentee Ballot by contacting your County Clerk. 

You or your representative must return your voted absentee ballot to the election officer (either your County Clerk or your City Clerk or Recorder, depending on the year) before the polls close on Election Day.

I won't be able to go to the polls on election day but don't want to vote by mail.  Can I vote in person before the election?

Yes. Check out our Early Voting page for details.

Additional Information