Article: Include your name, address (as registered), ward and precinct if known, the address where you'd like your absentee ballot sent, and your signature. If you're voting in a primary, you'll also need to include the party for which you wish to vote.  The majority of states allow for in-person and postal voting when it comes to doing it early. Some states are only postal or in-person and some have no early voting at all. Check your state's policies to see if this is an option. It should come with instructions and various return envelopes. However, if your state allows it, you can go cast your vote in-person before the election (depending on the state, it will be somewhere between 4 and 50 days prior to election day) to avoid the lines and hassle. Then, place it in the smaller brown envelope. Read and complete all information on the front of the envelope. Sign it when you're done.  Make sure all your choices are clearly marked — don't leave any room for interpretation. Follow the instructions on the ballot carefully. Place the proper postage on it, and then mail it to your city/town hall. The address should be indicated somewhere on the form or envelope.   Alternatively, you or a family member can hand your ballot to your local election official. Once more, check with your state's policy. It must be received by the closing time on the date of the election day unless you're voting internationally. In that case, it can be received no more than 10 days after the election, so long as it is postmarked on or before election day.

What is a summary?
Apply in writing to your city election commission. Wait for your ballot to arrive. Fill out your ballot. Place the small envelope into the bigger envelope.