POLYAS Election Glossary
We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy
We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy
In contrast to voting in person, absentee voting (also known as distance voting) is voting from somewhere other than the polling station. Absentee voting therefore doesn’t require voters to show up at polling stations in person and within their set opening hours. By being freer in terms of space and time constraints, voters are afforded a greater level of comfort during the voting process.
Forms of absentee voting
The classic form of absentee voting is the postal vote. A newer form of absentee voting is online voting, which means votes are cast in electronic form over the Internet. Online voting is markedly safer than postal voting and much cheaper for the organisers of elections.
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