I have wanted to “speak up” regarding the negativity around the validity of absentee/mail in ballots and voting practices. Absentee/mail in voting has been around for a long time and I do not recall the integrity of the local, state and national polling locations and the board of elections being called into question and the misinformation being shared widely. My husband and I have served as poll workers for many years and know the voting procedures that secure we have fair elections. I wanted to share my personal experience since I chose to cast my vote by Absentee ballot and I am trusting the integrity of a the best process in the world!
I want to share the step by step process because so much misinformation is circulating regarding the integrity of mail-in/absentee voting procedures.
- If you have not already applied for an “absentee” ballot, there is still time for you to submit online. (https://votebymail.ncsbe.gov/app/home). Deadline for submitting your request is October 27 by 5 pm.
- Your county board of election will mail you your ballot. Most of these ballots were mailed on beginning September 4. (My ballot came on September 10).
- Complete filling out your ballot, in the presence of a witness. You may protect your selections from the sight of your witness if you desire. You then place your ballot in the envelope and seal and then YOU and your witness MUST sign the back of the ballot envelop. without you or the witness’s signature your ballot will be declared invalid.
- You may return your ballot directly to your county board of elections. Only YOU, the voter or a near relative or legal guardian may have possession of your ballot until it is returned to the board of Elections by one of these options:
- Mail to your county board of elections, postmarked on or before Election Day, and received by 5 p.m. November 6.
- By commercial courier service (DHL, FedEx or UPS)
- YOU may drop your ballot, in person, at your county board of elections office by 5 p.m. Election Day (November 3)
- You may deliver, in person, at any early voting site in your county during voting hours – check your county locations for early voting – there will be fewer locations than on Election Day.
Here is everything you will receive:
- Instructions – step by step
- Ballot
- Return envelope. Don’t forget to sign and have your witness sign also.
- YOU provide a 1st class stamp/FOREVER stamp and affix to the Return Envelope.
- YOU or your witness should deliver to the designated poll location or mail at your local post office.
AND, lastly, TRACK your ballot: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-mail/absentee-ballot-tool. Take a picture of your completed ballot and be sure to write down the ballot number – it is unique to you and the board of elections information to confirm your vote.
I have exercised one of the greatest privileges we have in our democracy – YOU can too!!!!
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