Do you have a friend or relative in the hospital? If you do, please ask if they have requested an absentee ballot or if they would like some help.
A dear friend of mine is hospitalized following an opportunistic infection (that took hold after a summer of chemotherapy). I realized she was feeling better after she asked if I could help her get an absentee ballot.
After returning from the hospital, I went to the computer and did my preliminary research on absentee ballots. In most states, a person who is incapacitated can obtain an absentee ballot by mail.
However, if the person is hospitalized after the deadline for requesting a regular absentee ballot has passed, emergency absentee ballots are available in many states. I verified by a telephone call what I had learned on the website with the Board of Elections. Then, I took my friend a request for an absentee ballot. She got her absentee ballot yesterday. Now, another vote for Senator Kerry is on the way.
If you have a friend who breaks a leg or has a baby a little early, with no complications, please take the time to see if they need an absentee ballot. Of course, exercise discretion and good sense.