Absentee & Mail-In Ballot Voting

Permanent Mail-In & Absentee Ballot Status

A voter has the option to be on the permanent mailing list for a mail-in or absentee application. Being on this list does not automatically entitle you to receive a ballot each election but instead entitles you to automatically receive a mail-in or absentee ballot application each year in February. Filling out an application and returning it to the Bureau of Elections is required every year in order to receive a mail-in or absentee ballot. This application will ensure you receive a ballot at the address indicated on the application for all elections that year, including any special elections that may arise in your district. 

To be placed on the Permanent Mail-In or Absentee list, please check the box on the mail-in or absentee applications marked "Annual List."

Detailed instructions are included with the letter you will receive, but here is a video that explains more about the process: Mail-In & Absentee Permanent List Update.

Identification Requirements to Vote by Mail

All absentee and mail-in ballot applications must include proof of acceptable identification. Find out what identification is acceptable.

Registered Voters & Absentee Ballots

To receive an Absentee or Mail-In Ballot Application, you may:

Important Information for All Absentee Voters

All absentee or mail-in ballots must be delivered to the Butler County Bureau of Elections in person, or by way of U.S. Mail. 

Absentee and Mail-in Ballot Application Deadlines

Absentee and mail-in ballot applications must be completed, signed by the elector, and received by the county board of elections no later than 5 pm on the Tuesday before Election Day.

Electors In Military Service & Absentee Ballots

Military and Civilian Overseas voters may obtain an absentee ballot by:

  • Completing a Federal Post Card Application (PDF) and sending it to the Election Bureau either by fax, mail or e-mail.
  • Filing an Official Military Application Form (Federal Form Number 76), distributed by the United States Department of Defense.

Application Deadlines for Electors in Military Service

Completed absentee and mail-in ballot applications must be received by the county board of elections no later than the day before Election Day.

Federal Write-In Absentee Ballots

The special write-in ballot includes all of the offices and questions that will appear on the official ballots for the electors election district, but not the names of the candidates for the offices. Instead, elections officials will provide to the voter a separate list that will include the names of all of the candidates who have filed petitions or papers seeking to appear on the official ballot and who have not withdrawn or had their names removed from the ballot by a court. A special write-in absentee ballot returned to the county board of elections will be handled and counted in the same manner as an absentee ballot cast on an official absentee ballot. Access this type of write-ballot.

Make Sure That Your Vote Counts

In completing an absentee or mail-in ballot and related ballot material and returning the completed absentee or mail-in ballot to the County Board of Elections, please be sure to follow all instructions received from the County Board of Elections. Improper completion of the absentee or mail-in ballot or related material, or improper delivery of the absentee or mail-in ballot to the County Board of Elections, can result in your absentee or mail-in ballot being challenged and set aside by the County Board of Elections or a court of law.