If you are unable to vote at the polls on Election Day or want to vote by mail you can apply for an absentee ballot. Applications may be obtained from the County City Clerk and are included with your sample ballot. The County Registrar's office offers an online form to request a Vote By Mail application. You may also request an absentee ballot by writing to the County Clerk, County Election Division, 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402.

When applying by letter provide your home address and the address to which the absentee ballot is to be sent. It is important that you sign your request the same way that you signed your affidavit of registration.

An application for an absentee ballot must be submitted for each election and received by the County Clerk?s office no later than seven days prior to the election. An individual application is needed for each person requesting a ballot. California law permits voters with specified disabilities to apply for permanent absentee voter status.