(election) a ballot that is cast in absentia (usually mailed in prior to election day)

a ballot that people can mail in if they cannot go to the polls to vote

a paper ballot which looks exactly like the ballot on the voting machine

A ballot marked and mailed in advance by a voter away from the place where he or she is registered

a conscience-cleansing form that has no effect whatsoever; the voting equivalent of recycling plastic

Ballot requested by application of a registered voter who expects to be absent from the polls on Election Day

An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable or unwilling to attend the official polling station. Numerous methods have been devised to facilitate this. Increasing the ease of access to absentee ballots are seen by many as one way to improve voter turnout, though some countries require that a valid reason, such as infirmity or travel, be given before a voter can participate in an absentee ballot.