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Hospitalized
It's easy to vote from your hospital bed, and we can help you.
Even if you are hospitalized after the regular absentee voting deadline, you can still vote if you are unexpectedly hospitalized. Follow the steps outlined on each state-specific page below.
Lifespan Form
What state do you live in?
Family
How can I help as a friend or family member?
If your friend or family member is hospitalized after the regular absentee voting deadline and has not yet voted, they may still be eligible to vote using an emergency absentee ballot.
Your role is essential, as the patient cannot leave the hospital to deliver their emergency ballot application to their local election official. You can help the patient complete the application,
You can help them by:
1. Ask your friend or family member if they are interested in voting.
2. If yes, help them check their voter registration HERE. If they are not yet registered to vote and the deadline has not passed, you can help them register to vote.
3. Print and assist the patient in completing the application. Depending on the state, they must designated you as their authorized representative (the person who delivers the application and picks up their ballot).
4. Return the ballot application to the local election official where the patient lives.
5. Pick up the ballot.
6. Bring the ballot to the patient so they can vote!
7. Return the ballot to the election officials before the voting deadline usually polls close on Election Day).
Click the state options above to view the process in different states (choose the state where the patient lives).
Rhode Island: Parents/Guardians of pediatric patients who are hospitalized should select Option 1 under Box C "If the ballot is to be given by the local board of canvassers to a person presenting written authorization to pick up the ballot, complete Box A and fill in the person’s name below" on the attached form and designated someone else (a friend, the other parent, a different family member) who can deliver the application to the election officials in the county where the parents live.
HCW
How can I help as a healthcare provider?
If your patient has been hospitalized after the regular absentee voting deadline in the state where they live and has not yet voted, they may still be eligible to vote using an emergency absentee ballot.
The most important thing you can do is let your patient know that they may be eligible to vote, without even leaving their hospital bed. Include their family members in conversations as well, as family members are key in completing this process.
All of our materials are free to print and share with your coworkers, patients, and their family members. See the google drive folder at the bottom of this page.
You can help them by:
1. Ask your patient if they are interested in voting.
2. If yes, help them check their voter registration HERE. If they are not yet registered to vote and the deadline has not passed, you can help them register to vote.
3. Print out an emergency absentee ballot application for your patient (found on the state-specific pages below). Depending on the state, they must designated an authorized representative. We recommend the patient use their family member or friend as an authorized representative, but in some states, healthcare workers may also serve as authorized representatives.
4. Let the patient know when the application deadline is.
Click the state options above to view the process in different states (choose the state where the patient lives).
Prin
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