Want to avoid the polls on Election Day? Here’s what to know about voting by mail
If you want to avoid going to the polls on Election Day, mail-in ballots are an option. And one that seems to be popular given the concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
But there are several things to keep in mind: Ballots don’t just show up on your doorstep. You will need to request a mail ballot sent to your home. If you already have requested one, you likely won’t see it until the end of September or the start of October, according to the Broward Supervisor of Elections Office.
And always give yourself as much time as possible to mail your ballot back. Even if you have requested a mail-in ballot, you can change your mind last minute and go to the polls.
Also, here’s a basic thing: You have to be registered to vote.
We’ll do our best to answer the questions you may have about mail-in ballots.
How do you sign up for a mail-in ballot?
Miami-Dade: The county’s election department offers a Q&A guide to mail-in ballots, which includes what information is needed for the request and how to get the form. The mail-in ballot form is available in English and Spanish and English and Creole.
You may also request a ballot by email at votebymail@miamidade.gov, phone at 305-499-8444 or mail at Vote-by-Mail Ballot Section, Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 521250, Miami, FL, 33152.
Broward: Broward’s election department offers an easy-to-use form to apply online. The form has a drop-down menu to select a language.
Registered voters can also print a postcard request from the website, fill it out and then send it to the Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 29001, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33302-9001.
Requests can also be emailed to VBM@broward.org. or brought to 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 102, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. To request a ballot by phone call 954-357-7055.
Keys: Monroe County offers several ways to register for a mail-in or absentee ballot. Online, over the phone, fax, email or in-person are all options for prospective voters.
To request a vote-by-mail ballot online, visit the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections website. To request one by phone call 305-292-3416 or by fax use 305-292-3406. For email the address is absentee@keys-elections.org.
Monroe County also allows voters or someone in their place to get a ballot at their office at 530 Whitehead St. #101.
No matter which way a ballot is asked for, the elections office will still need the voter’s name, address, birthday and written authorization. A designee will also have to show photo ID and complete an affidavit.
What’s the deadline and when should you expect to receive it?
To receive a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3 general election, the request must be in by 5 p.m. Oct. 24.
In general, the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is no later than 5 p.m. on the 10th day before the election.
The ballot should be sent out by your county’s supervisor of elections between 33 and 40 days before an election. The last day a ballot can be sent is eight days before the election.
Ballots for people who are overseas should be sent no later than 45 days before each election
How do you fill it out?
You are in luck. The ballots come with instructions. But we offer a couple of friendly tips. First, make sure your pen works before you start filling out a ballot. Next, do your best to keep your ballot in a place far from where your kids could grab it as a coloring sheet or your pets can chew it up for dinner.
Also, once your ballot is done make sure you sign your name the way it appears on your registration. If you don’t sign it, the elections department is required by law to contact you so you can fix it.
How do I return it?
Miami-Dade: There are a few ways ballots can be returned in Miami-Dade. First, completed ballots can be mailed to Vote-by-Mail Ballot Section, Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 521250, Miami, FL, 33152.
Ballots can also be dropped off at early voting locations via secure drop boxes. They can also be dropped off at four other locations on the Monday before election day and on election day.
Voters can also return them in-person at the Miami-Dade Elections Department, 2700 NW 87th Ave., or the Stephen P. Clark Center Voter Information Center, 111 NW First St.
Last, a designee can turn completed ballots on a voter’s behalf.
Broward: Broward announced it will have 24 secure drop-off locations for ballots. Ballots can also be mailed back to the elections office.
Completed ballots will not be accepted at a polling place. However, if voters change their mind and want to vote in person after already requesting and receiving a vote-by-mail ballot, they can bring it to a polling place for it to be canceled. Then they will be able to vote in person. This also is the case in other counties.
Monroe: Completed ballots can be mailed back to the elections office. If returning in person, they must be given to a nearby Monroe County Supervisor of Elections office, not a polling place.
How do you know it’s counted?
Counties offer an option to plug in your name and date of birth to get the status of your ballot.
Miami-Dade: Ballots are able to be tracked through the election’s office website.
Voters will be able to see if they requested a ballot, the date the ballot was mailed to them, when the ballot was received by the Elections Department, if the ballot was counted or if there was an error with it.
Visit the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections ballot lookup here.
Broward: The county also shows voters their selections by mail information along with their voter status.
Voters can check the status of their ballots here.
Keys: Monroe County’s voter information lookup, which includes vote-by-mail ballot information, on their website here.
I messed up, can I get a new one?
Voters should keep their ballots safe and make sure not to make errors, as Florida law states only two replacement ballots can be sent.
This does not mean a vote can be changed once a voter submits the ballot. Visit your local elections office website or call them to learn more about replacement ballots.
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 8:54 AM.
