; and (B) by which the eligible voter may designate whether the individual prefers that such blank absentee ballot be transmitted by mail or electronically. (2) Transmission if no preference indicated In the case where an eligible voter does not designate a preference under paragraph (1)(B), the State shall transmit the ballot by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable State law, or if there is no applicable State law, by mail. (3) Marking of blank absentee ballots Each State shall establish procedures to allow voters to securely mark blank absentee ballots through assistive technology for an election for Federal office. (4) Application of methods to track delivery to and return of ballot by individual requesting ballot (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), under the procedures established under paragraph (1), the State may apply such methods as the State considers appropriate which are in accordance with paragraph (1), such as assigning a unique identifier to the ballot, to ensure that if an eligible voter requests the State to transmit a blank absentee ballot to the individual in accordance with this subsection, the voted absentee ballot which is returned by the individual is the same blank absentee ballot which the State transmitted to the individual. (B) Limitation In carrying out this paragraph, a State may not adopt a method of tracking absentee ballots which would violate the right of an individual to a private ballot. If a unique identifier is assigned to an absentee ballot, the State must adopt procedures to ensure the identity of the individual remains secret. (d) Accessibility requirement for electronic communications Any electronic communication under this section, including any application, ballot, or instructional material sent electronically, shall be accessible as defined in section 304. (e) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to allow the casting of ballots over the internet. (f) Effective date This section shall apply with respect to elections