It’s one of the most common questions this election season:
If I requested an absentee ballot, and it doesn’t come, can I still vote?
The answer is Yes – but with some caveats.
First, you have to wait until after October 28 to see if your absentee ballot comes through the mail. As per state regulations: “Once a voter has requested a mail-in absentee ballot, the voter shall not vote in person unless the voter has failed to receive such requested ballot by Oct. 28, 2020.”
If you then go vote in-person starting on October 29, you have to sign an affidavit stating that either you did not receive your absentee ballot, or that you lost it. This is to officially cancel your absentee ballot request, so you can vote in person.
What if I change my mind and want to cancel my request and vote in person?
State law is somewhat unclear on this, according to the Secretary of State’s office. County clerks — who are the ones who receive absentee ballot requests and send out the absentee ballots — can, if they choose, agree to cancel your request. But, they are not required to.
And, the electronic poll books now in use across the state will show if you have requested an absentee ballot, and poll workers should not allow you to vote in person before October 29th if you have.
So, if you’ve requested an absentee ballot, it is best to wait to receive it until October 29, and if it comes, use it.
Want to feel like you’re voting in person, even though you requested an absentee ballot? Fill out your absentee ballot correctly (follow the instructions!), then take it to one of the drop boxes in your county.
Oh, and one final reminder: It is illegal to vote twice. It is also illegal to attempt to vote twice. You could be charged with a felony. So don’t even think about it.
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