§11-16  Application when not made in person.  (a)  Any qualified person unable for any cause to appear in person before the clerk for registration may register to vote by mail, not later than thirty days prior to a primary or general election, through the affidavit on application for voter registration or other form prescribed by the chief election officer.  The form shall include a self‑subscribing oath for the applicant to swear to the truth of the allegations in the application.  An applicant unable to write for reason of illiteracy, blindness, or other physical disability shall have the applicant's mark witnessed by a person who shall sign the affidavit in the space provided.  Each application form shall also include a space to request a permanent absentee ballot.  Application forms shall be made available to any qualified person through community groups, political parties, and other groups prescribed by the chief election officer.  Application forms shall be made available to any qualified person at the time of that person's driver's license application or renewal through the examiner of drivers.

     (b)  Upon receipt of the properly executed application, the clerk shall proceed to number the same and register the name of the voter in the general county register as provided in section 11-15.  In registering persons under this section the clerk may accept requests for absentee ballot submitted in accordance with the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 or other similar federal law as being sufficient for registration purposes. [L 1970, c 26, pt of §2; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 45, §4; am L 2011, c 142, §2]