What are the legal requirements for absentee voting?

In Washington, the legal requirements for absentee voting are set out in the state election laws. To be eligible to vote absentee in Washington, an individual must be a registered voter and fulfill at least one of the following criteria: be unable to appear physically at their polling place due to travel, illness, disability, military service, or work schedule; have a religious conflict; or be an overseas or service voter. In order to vote absentee, a voter must complete the absentee ballot application that is available from the county auditor’s office, or from the Washington Secretary of State’s website. The completed application must be received by the county auditor no later than 8 pm on the day of the election. Once an application is received and approved, the auditor will mail a ballot to the voter. Voters must return their marked absentee ballot to the county auditor in person, by mail, or dropping off at a ballot drop box no later than 8 pm on the day of the election. Voters are also allowed to authorize someone to return their ballot, but only one person may be authorized to return all ballots from one household. By following these legal requirements, Washington residents can vote absentee and have their voice heard in the election.

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