Press Release 2008-01-22

 

News Release
For Immediate Release:       January 22, 2008
ABESENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES ~ Voters Must Qualify to Vote by Absentee Ballot  ~   RICHMOND, VA – The Commonwealth of Virginia’s presidential primaries are scheduled for February 12.  If a voter knows they will be unable to go to the polls on election day they will need to apply for an absentee ballot. Absentee applications may be completed in person at their General Registrar's office no later than Saturday, February 9.  However, absentee applications, being mailed or faxed to the General Registrar’s office must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5.  A voter must specify which party's ballot they are requesting.  Once cast, absentee ballots are final.  Absentee voters cannot change their mind and vote again even if their candidate withdraws before the primary date.  In order to be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the time the polls close on Tuesday, February 12. Applicants must list a qualifying reason for voting absentee.  A voter qualifies to vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to go to the polls on election day because of one of the following reasons: ·         Student – A student attending an educational institution or a spouse of a student attending an educational institution. ·         Caregiver – The primary care giver for a family member. ·         Business – Due to business reasons you will be out of town. ·         Confinement – If you are awaiting trial or have been convicted of a misdemeanor. ·         Personal Business or Vacation – If you will be traveling outside your county or city on business or vacation. ·         Election Official – If you are an electoral board member, a Registrar, or an Officer of Election or custodian of voting equipment. ·         U.S. Uniformed Services – On active duty or are the spouse or a dependant of an active duty service member. ·         Working and commuting to and from home for 11 or more hours during the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ·         Physical Disability or illness ·         Temporarily residing outside of the United States. ·         Religious obligation For more information about an application to vote by absentee ballot contact your local General Registrar or visit the Virginia State Board of Elections web site at www.sbe.virginia.gov. To obtain a voter registration application or an application to vote absentee go to the Virginia State Board of Elections web site at www.sbe.virginia.gov.