Absentee ballot process

Only accepted absentee ballots are counted.

Accepted or rejected ballot envelopes

When we get your voted ballot back, it's matched to your application.

All information on the envelope must be complete, the signature and ID information must match those on the application.

The envelope is marked either accepted or rejected.

Accepted ballots are held in a secure location until counting begins.

Rejected ballots are not counted. If your ballot's rejected, you'll get a replacement.

Common reasons ballots are rejected

• Voter didn't sign the signature envelope.
• Voter’s ID number didn't match the one on the application.
• Voter didn't have a witness.
• Non-registered voter didn't fill out their Election Day registration form.
• Ballot wasn't received by Election Day.

Ballots aren't rejected for a missing secrecy envelope.

The counting of accepted absentee ballots

The count starts 19 days before Election Day after 5 p.m.

It’s done by teams of 2 or more people, 1 precinct at a time until all precincts are counted. 

Steps to count accepted absentee ballots

1. Count the unopened envelopes.
2. Compare the count to the voter database to ensure every accepted ballot is counted.
3. Take the ballot secrecy envelope out of the signature envelope. This removes the connection between a voter and their vote. Signature envelopes are set aside.
4. Remove ballots from the secrecy envelope and run them through a ballot counter.
5. Counted ballots are sealed and stored in a secure area with the rest of absentee materials. As required by statute and rules.
6. Results can’t be accessed or released before the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
7. After the polls close, the results from each polling place are transmitted to us.
8. Absentee votes are combined with results from the polling place and then released.