Local election officials send ballots 45 days before an election. If regular absentee ballots are not available 60 days before the general election, local election officials mail a Special Write-In Ballot with a list of candidates and referenda for which the voter is qualified to vote.

Voted ballots must be postmarked by November 5th, 2012 and received by the local election office by November 20, 2012.

From Iraq, Afghanistan, deployed naval vessels: 4 weeks before the election.
From other overseas military installations: 3 weeks before the election.
From other overseas locations: 4 weeks before the election (depending on foreign mail service).
From within the United States: 1 week before the election.