Faxing ballot when mailed absentee ballot not received

November 6, 2012 4:01 AM

I'm voting absentee (first time). I sent the ballot last Monday and it left Oslo last Wednesday. According to my district website, it hasn't been received. If it's not in by say 5 pm their time (11 pm mine), do I fax my ballot using one the services listed here on lifehacker? Do I need to call or email someone first to let them know what I'm doing?
posted by Busoni to law & government (4 answers total)

I'm not sure if this is the "right" place to call, but my boyfriend is volunteering for a non-partisan voter's rights group that has this page available for people to read regarding early and absentee voting. And if you have even further questions, you might be able to call their hotline.
posted by TrishaLynn at 4:27 AM on November 6, 2012

Hey, so I just found this after digging further:

November 6th, 7 p.m., deadline for receipt of absentee ballots for the General Election
(except votes cast for federal office on overseas absentee ballots
which are postmarked or signed and dated no later than the date of the
general election if received no later than 10 days from the date of the
general election) [emphasis added] – (Rule 1S-2.013, F.A.C. – Based on settlement
agreement: United States vs. State of Florida et al., TCA-80-1055
[N.D. Fla. Apr. 2, 1982])

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/publications/pdf/2012/2011_2012_ElectionDatesToRemember.pdf

(This is Florida by the way.)

So does that mean I'm good as long as they get it within 10 days?

(Feel like I'm wasting a question, but it's my first time voting.)
posted by Busoni at 4:43 AM on November 6, 2012

Yep, sounds like you are good as long as they get it within 10 days!
posted by sgo at 6:39 AM on November 6, 2012

Indeed; that's what I was thinking to go looking for for you when I saw your question! In my ward, it would just mean the City Clerk's office would handle your ballot directly and your vote would show up among the finalized count that comes out after election night proper. No promises on Florida but I'd guess it's quite similar. Congratulations on voting. :)
posted by teremala at 6:51 AM on November 6, 2012