SOE header Vote-by-Mail The numbers of vote-by-mail ballot requests continues to increase with each election cycle. Its been embraced by candidates, and its popular with voters who like the convenience of voting at their leisure in the privacy of their home. Unlike many years ago, voting by mail is an option to any registered voter regardless of circumstance. These observations paint a rosy picture of the vote-by- mail option; however, a closer look at the numbers in this past primary suggest a second look. Of the over 40,000 ballots we mailed initially to voters with requests already on file, 10 % of those ballots were returned to us as undeliverable. Additionally, at the time of this writing just over 33% of the initial 40,000 were voted and returned to us. These numbers illustrate several issues with the vote-by-mail process. Because vote-by-mail ballots cannot be forwarded by law, many ballots that were sent to part-time residents who are not back in Florida for the winter months were returned to us, as well as ballots sent to voters who moved and didnt notify us. Delivering vote-by-mail ballots is dependent upon proactivity on the part of the voter to keep a current address on file. This is further complicated by standing requests for ballots for future election cycles. Two years can bring a lot of changes for relocating families, for military families, and students, et cetera. For voters who have moved, vote-by-mail requests can easily be transferred but only if the voter reports a new address to the elections office. For voters who are temporarily away, re-mailing the ballot to an address other than the voters address of record is permissible, but as of January 2014, Florida Law (F.S.101.62) requires that such requests must be made in writing, signed by the elector, and delivered to the Supervisor of Elections office. The proactive intent of standing vote-by-mail ballot requests is readily diminished by the lack of commitment to follow through with this voting method. Although voting is one of the greatest inalienable rights afforded to all citizens, it doesnt come without cost. In addition to the expenses incurred, undeliverable vote-by-mail ballots place an unnecessary encumbrance on running efficient elections. I encourage all voters to help us do our job better by keeping your voter registration up-to-date. There is no better way to provide exemplary public service than when you have correct reliable information!
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 22:16:07 +0000