What to Do If You Haven't Received Your Absentee Voting Ballot
The importance of timely and proper absentee ballot procedures cannot be overstated. In this article, we will go through Clint's top steps to ensure you can vote absentee without any hitches. By following these guidelines, you can avoid the frustration and potential disenfranchisement of not receiving your ballot.
Know the Web Address for Your County Election Office
One of the primary steps in the absentee voting process is knowing the correct web address for your local county election office. This ensures that you have access to the most accurate information regarding your voting rights and procedures. Make sure to bookmark the site for quick reference.
Verify Your Voter Registration Status Regularly
A crucial aspect of the absentee voting process is verifying your voter registration status well in advance of the election. In some states, if you fail to vote in three major elections, your name is moved to the inactive voter list, and you may not receive your ballot. This can be done as a means to maintain current voter rolls or to potentially remove opposition. Irrespective of the reason, it is essential to ensure that your name is on the active list, several months before the election.
Consider Adding Your Name to the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL)
Elections occur every 90 days, and you may not always be aware of all the election dates. To stay informed, many states offer a Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL), which sends you ballot applications for all elections in your district. If your state does not offer a PEVL, it is important to request a ballot through your local election office for each election.
Awareness of Election Deadlines and Dates
Staying informed about when elections are happening is crucial. Elections can occur at any time, and local races such as school board elections are often just as important as high-profile races. Check your county's website for important dates, including election day, deadlines for voter registration, and periods when ballots will begin to be mailed to you.
Reach Out to Your County Election Office Early
If there is an upcoming election and you have not received your ballot within 10 days, it is advisable to contact your county election office. Many election offices now offer web validation to check voter information. Use their website’s voter registration information section, and look for instructions on what to do if you haven't received your ballot. Follow their specific procedures, as they may differ from one county to another.
Requesting and Voting on a Replacement Ballot
If you need to request a replacement ballot, bear in mind that if your name is on the records and you haven't received your ballot, you must wait for the new one to arrive and vote it. Even if you find your original ballot, it will not be valid for voting as it will be rejected. It is best to destroy it. Additionally, ballots are usually mailed with pre-sort first-class postage, meaning they are fast-tracked through the mail. However, due to the mail process, allow several days for the ballot to arrive and for your voted ballot to reach the elections office.
Some Final Points to Keep in Mind
Ballots marked ‘Postage Paid’ should not have an additional stamp added. Adding a stamp negates the special arrangements made between election officials and the Post Office, and can delay your ballot's delivery.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are fully prepared to vote absentee, and your ballot is delivered and counted. Remember, knowing and following the correct procedures can save you significant inconvenience and ensure your voice is heard.