Transcript: OLVR Step 9 Absentee Request

Did you know that any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot? In order to vote by mail, you must request a mail-in ballot. There is no need to wait.

Request your mail-in ballot as early as possible. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot that you want to receive by mail or fax is the Tuesday before election day. The deadline to request a ballot that you want to receive online is the Friday before an election. We'll send you a ballot as soon as they are ready. When you request your mail-in ballot, you can avoid lines. If you receive your ballot by mail, you can mail back your ballot in a postage paid return envelope. If you receive a ballot by email or fax, you will need to supply your own return envelope and postage or drop it in a secure dropbox that will be available statewide.

Please note, if you request a ballot but then decide to vote in person, you'll have to vote a provisional ballot when you get to the polling place because records will indicate you've already requested a ballot. So, if you have a few minutes, we'll show you how to request your ballot.

Let's get started.

First, you will not automatically be sent a ballot for the upcoming elections. You must request one. Only registered voters can receive a ballot. If you're not registered, you can register and request a ballot by using our online application. To start this type of application, go to elections.marland.gov and select register to vote to access our online system.

If you're already registered, you'll need to submit an application to get a mail-in ballot. If you do not submit an application, you won't receive a ballot and you will have to vote in person during the upcoming election. To start this type of application, go to elections.marland.gov. Select the mail-in voting quicklink and then select how do I request a mail-in ballot to access our online system.

In either online application, you'll need to have an MVA issued driver's license or ID. Make sure to review the information on each page.

On the voter type page, select your voter type. Don't forget to also check the capture box and then select the next button to proceed to the application.

You will need to complete each step of the application.

When you get to the mail-in ballot request step, select I would like to receive a mail-in ballot for the elections. You can then select the primary and or general election options. Next, you'll choose whether you would like to receive your ballot in the mail, through email, or by fax. Select the delivery method tab. If you would like your ballot mailed to you, select in the mail.

If you would like to receive a ballot electronically, also known as internet delivery, select through email as the delivery method. If we have any questions during the processing of your mail-in ballot, we will need to know the best way to contact you. Select the best contact method for you.

Make sure to enter the correct email address. We recommend that you use an email address that you do not share with another person if possible. When ballots are ready, you'll be emailed a link to access and download your blank ballot using our online ballot delivery system. This system features an accessible online ballot marking tool that allows you to mark your ballot privately and secretly. However, a ballot received by internet delivery will still need to be printed and mailed or dropped off at your local election office or Dropbox location. You cannot return your ballot by email or fax as it will not count. Lastly, if you would like your ballot faxed to you, select as a fax and make sure to review your fax number for accuracy. Once you're done with this step, push the next button and proceed through the remaining steps.

To complete the application, you'll receive a confirmation number that your application was successful. So, that's how you apply online. If you do not have an MVA issued driver's license or ID, or if you prefer to download and print your application to request a ballot, you can download a PDF application from our website. Go to our mail-in voting information and instructions page by selecting the mail-in voting link under quicklinks and then select how do I request a mail-in ballot. You'll find links to download and print an application.

After your application is submitted, it may take time for your application to be processed. Around the busy election time, it may take longer. So, we strongly recommend that you submit your application as soon as you can. You can check if your application was received by selecting look up your voter information on our website.

Once you log in, select status of my mailed-in or provisional ballots. Once your application has been received and processed, you'll see the status of application received. As a reminder, if you request a ballot and try to vote at a polling place during early voting or on election day, you'll have to vote a provisional ballot. So, that's the general overview of how to request a ballot. For more information, visit our website, elections.marland.gov.

Please be sure to review the video on how to return your ballot, which can also be found on our website. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1 (800)-222-8683 or email us at [email protected].