Absentee Voting

Absentee voters use the same ballots as Vote by Mail voters and have the same deadlines for returning their ballots. Most voters who qualify for an absentee ballot can choose instead to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot. There are some times that an absentee ballot application is needed.

Eligibility for Absentee Voting

You should fill out an absentee ballot application if:

  • You qualify for an absentee ballot and you are voting in a local election in a city or town that has opted out of Vote by Mail for that election
  • You will be away from your city or town on Election Day
  • You are requesting an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization
  • You are currently incarcerated for a reason other than a felony conviction

If you are on active military duty or are a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S., view the UOCAVA Absentee Voter page.

Absentee Voting: By Mail

The deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is 5 pm on the fifth business day before the election. Please file your request early to allow time for your ballot to be mailed to you and for you to return your voted ballot so it reaches Town Hall by the close of polls to be counted.

A voter admitted to a health care facility after 12 pm on the seventh day before the election can request a hand-delivered Absentee Voting ballot.

Absentee Voting: In-Person

Individuals who qualify to vote absentee may do so in person at the Town Clerk's office, by appointment only. You may arrange with the Town Clerk to cast your absentee ballot in person at the Town Clerk's office by calling 617-993-2603.

In-person absentee voting is available until noon on the day before the election unless the day before the election is a weekend or holiday; then in-person absentee voting will end at 5 pm on the last business day before the election.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

There are two methods to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you:

  • Complete, sign, and submit an Absentee Ballot Application form (PDF) to the Belmont Town Clerk's office. The form is available by download or at any Town or City Clerk's Office.
  • Write a letter to the Town Clerk. Be certain to sign your letter and include the following information:
    • Current date
    • Voter name (as registered)
    • Voter address (as registered)
    • Date of the election(s) you would like an absentee ballot
    • If your request includes a Primary, indicate a party ballot (Democratic or Republican)
    • Mailing address
    • Signature

Send your written request (application form or letter) by any one of the following methods:

  • By email to the Town Clerk's office. (Please send a PDF or clear photo of the signed form or letter.)
  • By fax to 617-993-2601
  • By drop box located outside the entrance to the Town Hall Building (facing the driveway).
  • By mail to the Town Clerk

A family member may also apply for a voter using the Absentee Ballot Application (PDF) and checking off the first box under Special Circumstances.

Overview of Absentee Voting Process

All Absentee Ballot requests must be made in writing and signed. Absentee ballots are sent out in the order in which requests are received. Please provide a phone number and/or email address in case a question arises as we prepare your ballot. Absentee ballot requests can be for a specific election date or for the rest of the calendar year. All absentee requests expire December 31.

Return your voted ballot as soon as possible to the Town Clerk's office by mail or drop it off in person at the Town Clerk's Office before the close of polls on Election Day. Ballots received after the polls close cannot be counted. Voted absentee ballots may not be brought directly to precinct polling places.