WHO MAY VOTE ABSENTEE:

If you are a qualified voter and are in one of the following categories, you may vote absentee. (A qualified voter is registered from the address of their current residence with the name currently used):

• A person who expects to be absent from the county or the country on Election Day.
• A person who, due to physical incapacity, is unable to go to the polls,

• A person observing a religious holiday.
• A person performing election duties for an election authority.
• A judge of election working in a precinct other than their own precinct on Election Day.
• A student in college away from home on Election Day.
• A person who will be hospitalized.
• Emergency hospitalization October 21st through November 4, 2008 (see below)

VOTING IN PERSON: Registered voters who qualify to vote by absentee ballot may vote in person beginning 40 days before the election, or as soon as the ballots are available. The last day to vote absentee in person is the day before the election.

VOTING BY MAIL: Persons who register to vote by mail are required to show ID with their current name and address the first time they vote in the jurisdiction. 

A registered voter who meets any of the above qualifications, may request an application for an absentee ballot by mail not more than 40 days nor less than 5 days prior to the date of the election. Upon receipt of the completed and signed application in the office of the election authority, a ballot will be mailed to the address requested. Sufficient time must be allowed to receive and return the application no later than the Thursday before the election (October 30, 2008), and to receive and have the ballot envelope postmarked no later than Midnight the day before the election (November 3, 2008).

Hospitalized - October 21, 2008 - November 4, 2008 (PENDING THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE)

There are provisions for persons hospitalized from October 21, 2008, through November 4, 2008, to vote an absentee ballot, if a friend, relative or licensed messenger service is available to hand carry the application and then the ballot.

Please call the Rockford Board of Elections at 987-5750 for details.