Let Your Voice be Heard, Even at Home

The presidential election is nearly here. With the ongoing coronavirus crisis still sweeping the country, however, many people are still hesitant to leave their homes, let alone go to a crowded booth to vote. However, there are other options. By applying for absentee voting, citizens can fill out their ballots safely from their homes, allowing them to vote without risking infection.

To apply for absentee voting, one must already be registered to vote. To be safe, it would be a good idea to check registration status by following this link before starting the application for absentee voting. The same link can be used to register to vote, find a person’s assigned polling place, and to apply for absentee voting. Keep in mind, in Virginia, October 13 is the last day to be able to register to vote in time to participate in this year’s presidential election.

Applying for absentee voting is a simple process. All that is required is a person’s first and last name, date of birth, last four digits of social security number, and locality. October 23 at 5 p.m. is the last day to be able to apply for absentee voting, otherwise voting must be done in person. Once the form has been filled out, expect to find a ballot in the mail soon.

“Please note that if you applied for a mail-in absentee ballot, you cannot vote early in-person unless you bring your ballot with you,” said Assistant Professor of Political Science and Civic Engagement Coordinator Connie Jorgensen in a recent email. “This is a safeguard against people trying to vote twice.”

Once the ballot arrives in the mail, it can be filled out and mailed back any time before November 3. For the vote to be counted, it must arrive at the registrar’s office by November 6. Click here to see example ballots to help prepare for when the real one arrives.

The ballot must be filled out correctly, or the vote won’t be counted. When the ballot arrives, it will come in a package that contains an envelope with a blank ballot inside, a second envelope that the completed ballot will be placed in, instructions, and a pre-addressed envelope to send the ballot back. A stamp is not required, and the envelope is prepaid. The ballot is identical to the one that would be provided in-person. Simply follow the instructions provided to complete the ballot. Using a black or blue pen, completely color the oval to the left of the selected candidate, leaving all others blank. Do not make any other marks on the ballot, or the vote won’t be counted. Due to the coronavirus, a witness is not necessary to be present when filling out the ballot for this election.

Once the ballot has been filled out, fold it and place it into the second envelope, then seal it. Do not put anything else in the envelope aside from the ballot. Once the ballot is inside, fill out the voter affirmation on the envelope with the same pen used earlier. The affirmation will include the full legal name that the person is voting under, the street address where one is registered to vote, a signature, and the current date. A witness signature can also be written on the envelope, but it is optional. 

Once the second envelope has been filled out, place it inside the pre-addressed envelope and seal it, then place it in the mail to send it back. Again, a stamp is not required. To track the ballot, follow this link. 

“I strongly suggest that to avoid any possible post office issues that you mail the ballot as soon as you have made your voting decision,” said Jorgensen. “Do not wait until the last minute!”

Up until October 31, if an error has been found on the voter affirmation, a notification will be sent and the vote can still be counted if the errors are corrected before November 6 at noon.

There are other options for sending in the completed ballot, aside from the post office. The envelope can be dropped off at the registrar’s office by either handing it to an election official or placing it in the drop-box. There are also several designated drop off centers that will be set up, so check frequently to see where the closest one is. The envelope may also be dropped off at polling places on November 3, which can be done without checking in at the location. 

For more information about how to vote in Virginia, check out this video. For more details about how to vote by mail, check out this video. To contact Connie Jorgensen with any questions, email her at cjorgensen@pvcc.edu.