Alaska Division of Elections

Absentee Voting By Online Delivery

Pertains to:

  • Active Uniformed Services
  • Merchant Marine
  • Commissioned Corps Members
  • Spouses and Dependents
  • U.S. Citizens Living Temporarily Overseas

Absentee Ballot Application Information

  • Alaska is a no excuse absentee voting state. Anyone may apply to receive an absentee ballot by online delivery. The option to receive a ballot by online delivery is only available during primary, general and statewide special elections.
  • You may apply for an online delivery ballot starting January 1st of each year an election is scheduled.
  • The Absentee Ballot Application will register you to vote or update your voting record when you apply for an online delivery ballot.
  • Apply by completing the Absentee Ballot Application. Once completed, print and sign the application.
  • Your signature must be a handwritten signature. A typed or digital signature is not valid.
  • Send your completed application to the Absentee and Petition Office by mail, fax or by email as an attached PDF, TIFF or JPEG file.

General Instructions and Information

  • When registering to vote or updating your registration, you must provide an Alaska residence address.
  • You may maintain your Alaska residence address as it appears on your current record or at the address that you resided at prior to leaving Alaska if you are temporarily out of state and have intent to return. Active members of the Uniformed Services, Merchant Marine, commissioned corps and spouses are exempt from the intent to return requirement.
  • When completing your application, be sure to select your military or overseas status, check the box to receive a ballot by online delivery and provide your email address.
  • Have you already completed an absentee ballot application? If so, you may check the status of your application and the status of your ballot at our My Voter Information webpage.
  • For additional assistance, contact the Absentee and Petition Office.

Application Deadlines and Ballot Delivery Dates

  • Your completed application requesting an online delivery ballot must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time the day prior to Election Day.
  • When registering to vote for the first time, your application must be postmarked or received 30 days before Election Day.
  • When updating your party affiliation or residence address, your application must be postmarked or received 30 days before Election Day for those changes to be eligible for an election.
  • In a presidential election, you may register to vote and participate in the presidential race so long as your completed application and any supporting documentation is received no later than 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time the day prior to Election Day,
  • Ballots are faxed to active Uniformed Service, Merchant Marines, Commissioned Corps members, spouses and dependents and U.S. citizens temporarily or permanently living overseas beginning 45 days prior to each Primary and General Election Day.

How to Vote Your Online Delivery Ballot

  • You will be emailed a notification of ballot availability and instructions. Open the link to the website that will be provided in your email and follow the instructions provided in the email. In addition, the system instructions will guide you through the online system.
  • Log into the online delivery system using your information.
  • Vote your ballot by selecting your choices on your computer screen.
  • At the end of voting, you will be prompted by your computer to download your voted ballot. After opening, you will print your ballot.
  • Next, you will choose the method that you wish to return your ballot. Upon selecting, you will be prompted to download a PDF file of your Voter Certificate and Identification sheet and other voting materials to be used to return your voted ballot that you will print.
  • In the presence of your witness, sign your Voter Certificate and Identification sheet and provide at least ONE identifier.
  • Have your signature witnessed by someone 18 years of age or older or by an authorized official (Notary Public, municipal clerk, postal official, or any other official authorized and willing to administer the oath).
  • You may choose to return your ballot by mail or by fax:
    • When you select to return your ballot by mail, you will print the foldable secrecy sleeve and return mailing envelope provided in your PDF file. You will also need to print your ballot. Fold and secure your ballot inside the secrecy sleeve. Wrap your completed Voter Certificate and Identification sheet around the outside of the secrecy sleeve with your ballot inside. Then fold and secure your certificate and ballot inside the return mailing envelope. The return ballot envelope must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Returning your ballot by mail will maintain the secrecy of your voted ballot.

    When you select to return your ballot by fax, you will print the fax instructions provided in your PDF file to follow to return your ballot by fax. Both completed voter certificate and ballot must be received by fax on or before 8:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on Election Day. When returning a ballot by fax, you are voluntarily waiving your right to a secret ballot and are assuming the risk that a faulty transmission may occur.