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Absentee Ballot F.A.Q.
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Question: May a candidate solicit requests for absentee ballots?
Answer: Yes: However, if soliciting by mail, we urge you to let us review your mailer to make sure that it asks for the correct information from the voter.

Question: May a candidate get a list of everyone who has requested an absentee ballot?
Answer: Yes: We can provide the names and addresses of all voters who have requested absentee ballots for an election to candidates, political parties, and political committees (F.S. 98.095).

Question: Is there a charge?
Answer: Yes: There is a charge for a CD, labels or paper lists.

Question: What are the restrictions on returning voted absentee ballots?
Answer: None: As of January 1, 2002, all restrictions on returning voted absentee ballots have been lifted.

Question: May I use a courier service such as FEDEX or UPS?
Answer: Yes.

Question: How many people vote by absentee ballot?
Answer: Absentee ballots normally account for 5 -11% of all ballots cast.

Question: Are all absentee ballots counted?
Answer: Unless an absentee ballot is rejected as illegal by the Canvassing Board, the ballot is counted.

Question: What would cause an absentee ballot to be rejected as illegal?
Answer: An absentee ballot will be rejected if: (1) It is not signed by the voter; (2) Ballot is not returned to elections office by deadline (7 p.m. on election day.)

Question: Will an absentee ballot be counted if it is postmarked on election day?
Answer: An absentee ballot can be counted only if it is received in the supervisor’s office by 7 p.m. election day and is otherwise valid.

Question: May a candidate look through the absentee ballots which are returned?
Answer: A candidate (as well as any member of the public) may be present when the absentee ballots are canvassed and during the opening process. He/she may also review the ballots prior to the canvass during the advertised time period. However, only the supervisor, her employees, or the Canvassing Board shall handle any official ballot (F.S. 101.572)

Question: Where may I obtain more information about absentee ballots?
Answer: You may call the office of the supervisor of elections at 941-861-8600