What is the difference between an absentee ballot and a mail ballot?
Nothing. These are two terms to describe the same type of ballot. The mail ballot is a more accurate term, because voters no longer need an excuse to vote by mail. Any registered eligible voter may vote by mail. All eligible mail ballots are counted in an election, the same as precinct ballots and early voting ballots.
How do I request a mail/absentee ballot?
In Florida, voters don’t need to provide a reason to request a mail ballot. Voting by mail provides voters with the flexibility and convenience to vote from their homes. Completed ballots may be mailed to the Supervisor of Elections or dropped off at the elections office. Voters who are out of the area during an election — including college students living away from home and military personnel — will find voting by mail especially convenient.
To request a mail ballot, call the Wakulla County Supervisor of Elections Office at (850) 926-7575 or fill out the Vote By Mail Ballot Request. Do I need a medical reason to vote by mail?
No, any registered voter may request a mail ballot.
Will my Vote-by-Mail ballot be forwarded if I have moved since requesting a ballot?
No. Ballots are not forwardable - Be sure to provide your current mailing address to ensure delivery.
How far in advance can I request Vote-by-Mail ballots?
Mail ballot request expire after each General Election. After that, you will need to renew your request begining January 1 of each election year. Remember to notify the Elections office if you have any updates to your registration information to ensure you receive your ballot as requested.
Is there a deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot?
Yes. A ballot must be requested no later than 5 p.m. 12 days prior to an election in order for the Elections office to mail it to you. After that, you may still pick up a mail ballot through Election Day.
How are Vote-by-Mail ballots counted/processed?
Ballots are collected as they arrive at the elections office in person or by mail. Florida statutes allow mail ballots to be opened and processed before Election Day. Mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Election Day in the Elections Office, after which mail ballot results are added to election totals. Mail ballots cannot be received at the precinct polling place to be counted - only to be cancelled.
I have a Vote-by-Mail ballot, but would like to vote on Election Day. Can I still vote?
Yes. If you have received a mail ballot, but you would prefer to vote at your precinct, take your mail ballot with you to your polling place. Poll workers will mark the mail ballot “Cancelled,” and you’ll be allowed to vote at the polling place.
Can I request a Vote-by-Mail ballot for a family member?
Yes. You may request a mail ballot for a family member. Call the Supervisor of Elections at (850) 926-7575 or fill out the Vote-by-Mail Ballot form. Provide your name, address and date of birth. Requests mailed in must be signed.
Can someone else pick up my Vote-by-Mail ballot for me?
Yes. You may designate in writing a person to pick up a mail ballot for you anytime five days before an election. Your designee will need a photo ID and signed note from you in order to pick up the ballot.