ABSENTEE VOTING


WHO CAN VOTE BY ABSENTEE

 Qualified registered Sumter County voters can request an absentee ballot at any time. 

Please note:  If you plan to be out of town during an election and you have requested an absentee ballot, it is your responsibility to inform us where you want your absentee ballot mailed to. 

Absentee Ballots are not forwardable and will be sent back to us.

(352) 793-0230




PROCEDURE ON ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUESTS
 (F.S. 101.62(b))
  • The supervisor may accept a written or telephonic request for an absentee ballot from the elector, or, if directly instructed by the elector, a member of the elector's immediate family, or the elector's legal guardian.  The term "immediate family" means: The designee's spouse or the parent, child, grandparent, or sibling of the designee or of the designee's spouse.  (F.S. 101.62(4)(b)4)
  • The person making the request must disclose:

    1.  The name of the elector for whom the ballot is requested
    2.  The elector's address
    3.  The elector's name
    4.  The requestor's name
    5.  The requestor's address
    6.  The requestor's driver's license number, if available
    7.  The requestor's relationship to the elector; and
    8.  The requestor's signature (written requests only)
     

  • A request from the voter must include the following information:
    • His/Her Name
    • Telephone
    • Date of Birth
    • Residence Address
    • Address  to Send Ballot
    • The voter's signature (written request only)

     

 

OBTAINING
(F.S. 101.6103)

  • Absentee ballots are mailed approximately 45 days prior to the primary and general elections to those voters who have requested an absentee ballot.
    Absentee ballots cannot be forwarded. Therefore, be sure the elections' office has your correct mailing address.
  • An absentee voter may designate, in writing, another person to pick up an absentee ballot for the voter. (F.S. 101.62(4)(b)4)
  • Carry-out ballots are available to a designee on election day or up to five (5) days prior to the day of the election  (F.S. 101.62(4)(b)4)
  • The designee may pick up two (2) absentee ballots only per election other than his or her own, except for ballots picked up for members of his or her immediate family. (F.S. 101.62(4)(b)4)

Note: The designee must provide picture identification, the written authorization from the voter and complete an affidavit.

VOTING IN OFFICE

  • The voter must present (current) one of the following: (F.S. 101.043) (F.S. 97.0535(3)(a))
  • Florida driver's license
  • Florida identification card issued by the DMV
  • United States passport
  • Debit or credit card
  • Military identification
  • Student identification
  • Retirement center identification
  • Neighborhood association identification
  • Public assistance identification

If the picture identification does not contain the signature of the voter, an additional identification that provides the voter's signature shall be required.

NOTE:  Voters who cannot produce a photo and signature identification are required to sign an affidavit in which they affirm their identity/address.

  • The voter is also required to sign a voter certificate prior to voting
     

VOTING THE ABSENTEE BALLOT
(F.S. 101.65)

  • VERY IMPORTANT. 
    In order for your absentee ballot to be counted, you must sign your name on the line above (Voter Signature).
  • VERY IMPORTANT.
    If you are an overseas voter, you must include the date you signed the Voter's Certificate on the line above (Date) or your ballot may not be counted.
  • The voter must personally vote the ballot (unless assistance is required due to blindness, disability or inability to read or write).
  • Please note, if your signature has changed since you registered, we need an updated signature. 

    If the signed envelope on your returned absentee ballot does not match the signature we have on file     ... it is up to the Canvassing Board to accept it.
     

 

RETURNING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT
(F.S. 101.65)


 Note:  Voted absentee ballots MUST be received no later than 7 p.m. on election day at the main office of the Supervisor of Elections in Bushnell.
 


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MILITARY INFORMATION
 

Military personnel may apply for voter registration or request absentee ballots with a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). Contact the Unit Voting Officer for applications. If the FPCA is not available, phone or send a written request to the Supervisor of Elections office at: 900 N Main Street, Bushnell, FL 33513-5008  (352) 793-0230.

US Embassies and Consulates Can Assist In:

  • Completing FPCA
  • Mailing FPCA forms, absentee ballots and other election materials


    For more information: http://www.fvap.gov

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Federal Voting Assistance:

The above Federal web site provides information to US citizens covered by the Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

UOCAVA VOTERS ARE:
Citizens who are members of the Uniformed Services, merchant marine, commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the family members of the above and overseas citizens.  Uniformed Services are defined as the U.S. Armed Forces (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard), merchant marine, commissioned corps of the Public Heath Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and family members of all the above.  Overseas citizens are defined as citizens who reside outside the United States.

If you are not an UOCAVA citizen, and wish to vote absentee as a regular state voter, please click here for links to State Election Sites. If you wish to vote in person, please contact your local county election official (listed in the Government Pages of the telephone book).

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