Vote by Mail

Applications

If you choose to vote early or on election day, you must bring and surrender your VBM Ballot and Return Envelope or you will be given a provisional ballot. It's best to avoid this situation.

Ballots

Ballots must be completed, SIGNED, and postmarked by or on election day. Ballots can be refused if the election judges determine the signature does not match that on your registration, so I urge each constituent to send their ballot in EARLY to ensure it is accepted, and if not, that they have the opportunity to vote another way.

FAQ

If I request my mail-in ballot, can I still choose to vote in person? or
If I don’t get my ballot mailed in, or for whatever reason, can I still vote in person (early or day-of)?
If you received your vote by mail ballot, but want to vote in person, you will need to bring the Mailed ballot to your polling place and hand it in. You will then be able to vote. If you were mailed a ballot and you misplaced it, you must go to the polling place and sign an affidavit that says that you did receive it but lost it. You will be given a provisional ballot.

What if I didn’t get my application? You can find out how to apply to get a vote by mail ballot at your County Clerk’s website.  (Or Call them)

What if I lose my vote by mail ballot?
You should go to vote in person. You will be given a provisional ballot.

What if I get the ballot but change my mind and want to vote in person?
Bring your vote by mail ballot to the polling place and surrender the ballot to vote in person.

Can I fill out the Vote by Mail ballot and hand deliver it?
Yes. You can bring it to the polling place on Election Day.  There will also be secure drop boxes provided by election authorities in each county.

What if I applied for a ballot and did not receive it in the mail?
Please contact your county clerk’s office for instructions.

How are we assured against fraud in the vote-by-mail process?
There is no evidence that mail ballots increase electoral fraud. Several anti-fraud protections are built into the process. Those who abuse mail ballots can be charged with election fraud and face fines or prison time.If candidates believe there has been voter fraud, they can present evidence regarding a particular race to the election board or file a lawsuit in a local court. Authorities review the evidence and decide if there has been actual fraud. If there is sufficient evidence, local prosecutors can indict the relevant people for mail ballot fraud. It is a criminal offense to forge a name on a mail ballot, impersonate someone else, steal ballots, or deceive someone about their mail ballot. For years, military personnel stationed abroad have voted by absentee ballot with virtually no claims of election fraud. The procedures that already are in use safeguard against abuse and ensure the integrity of the voting process.
The few cases of voter fraud that have been documented tend to be quite localized. For example, in 2018, North Carolina Republicans were cited for election fraud involving mail ballots. A campaign staff member who worked for Mark Harris in his Ninth Congressional district race was indicted for mishandling mail ballots and directing others to engage in election fraud. The evidence was so widespread that a federal judge invalidated the election and called for a special election.

How can I make sure that my vote is definitely counted? 
A panel of three election judges will evaluate the received ballots. A ballot can be rejected for a few reasons: 

• The ballot envelope was delivered opened;

• The certification envelope contains no signature;

• The voter has already cast a ballot; 

• The voter voted in person on Election Day; or, 

• The voter is not a duly registered voter in the precinct.

It takes a majority 2 of the 3 election judges to reject a ballot. The election authority will notify the voter within 2 days of a ballot rejection. For this reason, we suggest sending your ballot early to allow time for this process and to correct any errors to ensure vote counts.

Within one day after receipt of a VBM ballot, or if a VBM ballot is rejected, the election authority shall notify the State Board of Elections of the receipt or rejection.

Do I have to Vote by Mail? Do I have to fill out the application?
No, you do not need to fill out the application or Vote by Mail. If you filled out the application and get a ballot but want to vote in person, bring the incomplete ballot to the polling place when you vote (early or on election day). Surrender the ballot and you will be able to vote in person. If you lose your ballot or do not bring it, you will be given a provisional ballot. 

Will I still be able to vote in person/vote early?
Yes. You do not have to vote by mail. If you applied and received a Vote By Mail ballot, you must return the ballot and signed envelope to the election authority in order to vote in person on a regular ballot. If you do NOT return them, you will be given a provisional ballot that will counted once it is confirmed that your Vote By Mail ballot has not also been cast.