Absentee ballots, once used by only a small percentage of the American people, are becoming an increasingly popular voting method.

Registered voters who will not be in their district on Election Day, have a physical disability that prevents them from voting at a polling place or cannot vote at the polls due to religious beliefs are guaranteed the right to an absentee ballot. In the past few years, 30 states have made absentee ballots available even for those who don’t meet these criteria but just prefer this voting method, according to The New York Times.

Absentee ballots can be obtained by sending in an application to the town hall of the district where one is registered to vote. A ballot will be sent back in the mail and must be returned by mail or in person by the time the polls close on Election Day, Nov. 7.

College students, Americans living abroad and disabled or elderly people benefit the most from this system, which ensures these individuals are not excluded from voting because of their condition or location.

Approximately 20 percent of registered voters chose to vote by absentee ballot in the 2004 elections, according to The New York Times. The state of Oregon has passed a new law forcing all voters to use absentee ballots in elections, and Washington is soon to follow. This process will likely increase voter turnout because it is convenient for those who may be discouraged or turned away by the crowds and chaos at polling places on Election Day.

‘Love it or hate it, it’s the wave of the future,’ said Art Torres, chairman of the California Democratic Party. ‘It’s tremendously burdensome on our fundraising and the people we have out in the field.’

Indeed, the increasing use of absentee ballots has a significant effect on political campaigns. Since voters have between 29 and 45 days to cast their absentee ballots, candidates are starting campaigns earlier and are putting a stronger focus on reaching voters before they send in ballots.

In addition, new methods of campaigning are being introduced in response to the trend. Most candidates obtain mailing lists of people getting absentee ballots and work harder to get their attention. Politicians are giving their closing arguments and enforcing their positions long before Nov. 7 in hopes of having a stronger influence on absentee voters.

Absentee voting in Onondaga County:

-Applications for absentee ballots for Onondaga County voters are available at ongov.net

-Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 31

-Completed absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day, Nov. 7

Published on October 21, 2006 at 12:00 pm