An application for a military-overseas ballot is timely if received by the appropriate election official by 5:00 P.M. of the day before the election or primary. An application from a covered voter for a military-overseas ballot shall be considered a valid absentee ballot request for any election covered under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-258.3 held during the calendar year in which the application was received. ?(2011-182, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)