Media Advisory: Florida Voters with Signature Issues on Vote-By-Mail Ballots Have Until 5 p.m. Thursday to Fix

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Voters contacted by their county Supervisor of Elections office about signature issues on their vote-by-mail ballot envelopes have until 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 to “cure” their ballot to be included in the primary election’s final count. 

They will need to fill out this form, provide a copy of the required forms of  identification, and submit the signed form by email, fax, or delivery to their county supervisor of elections office by 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. A person other than the voter can drop off of the signed form and a copy of identification as well. 

Without curing, the vote will not be counted. 

Florida made significant changes to its vote-by-mail process in 2021’s Senate Bill 90, the anti-voter act being challenged in the courts by Common Cause Florida and other voting rights groups. SB 90, among other things, gave people appointed by political parties or candidates the ability to flag ballots for signature review, even if professional elections staff felt there were no problems. 

Voters will be contacted by elections officials if there is a problem. This is one of the reasons why Common Cause Florida recommends that voters include their phone number and/or email address on their vote-by-mail ballot envelope, so that it is easier and faster for elections officials to contact them if there is a problem.  Representatives from the voter’s political party may also contact them to “cure” the ballot and fix the signature issues. Voters can also track their mail ballot themselves by calling their county Supervisor of Elections office or using the online trackers available in most counties.

Anyone with questions can also call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE, or 866-687-8683, with questions about the process or to report issues. 

 

Statement from Amy Keith, Common Cause Florida Program Director 

Every vote counts, and that’s why it’s so important for voters contacted by elections officials to take the needed steps to cure their ballot and have it counted.

We are concerned this may become a bigger issue in the general election this fall, and will continue to work with our coalition partners to ensure each and every eligible voter in our state has their voice heard at the ballot box.