Request a Ballot

New York voters have two options to request a ballot ahead of Election Day. Students who register at home (outside of Broome County) should plan ahead and request an absentee ballot unless they plan to return home to vote in person. Students registered at home or locally also have the option to request to vote early via mail. 

Request an Absentee Ballot


If you are unable to vote in person, you should request an absentee ballot using one of these request form options:

  • (recommended):
    On-campus students should format their mailing address as:
    BU Box ####
    PO Box 6020
    ßÙßÇÂþ»­, N.Y. 13902-6020

    On-campus students who are registered in NYC should format their mailing address as:
    Street Number: Box #####
    Street Name: PO BOX 6020
    ßÙßÇÂþ»­, N.Y. 13902
  • for students who live on campus
  • Blank

Request to Vote Early Via Mail


Any registered NY voter may apply for an .

  • (recommended):
    On-campus students should format their mailing address as:
    BU Box ####
    PO Box 6020
    ßÙßÇÂþ»­, N.Y. 13902-6020

    On-campus students who are registered in NYC should format their mailing address as:
    Street Number: Box #####
    Street Name: PO BOX 6020
    ßÙßÇÂþ»­, N.Y. 13902
  • (for students who live on campus)

Absentee and early mail ballot requests must be received by the local board of elections 10 days before Election Day. (See Important Dates and Deadlines).


After submitting the ballot application, you will receive your ballot in the mail, so be sure to check your mailbox! You will then complete the ballot and must postmark it back to the board of elections by Election Day. It can also be dropped off at your county board of elections or any poll site in your county (out-of-county ballots cannot be dropped off at the campus polling place or any other polling place in Broome County).


What if I miss the deadline to request a ballot?
Review your options for in person voting or contact your county board of elections.


What if I already requested a ballot, but decide to vote in person?
If you already requested a ballot and then decide to vote in person, you will need to vote using an affidavit ballot. Go to the polling place for your current address. A poll worker will direct you to complete an affidavit ballot. Complete the ballot carefully using your current local address. Visit the New York Board of Elections webpage to learn more about voting by mail.


If you are registered to vote in another state, contact your local board of elections for vote-by-mail options. 


If you are studying abroad, you can request a ballot .