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) 569-1540

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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. 101.62(4)(a)(b)

When Absentee ballots are mailed out:

 UOCAVA and overseas voters: 45 days prior to all elections

Other voters: 35^th to 28^th day prior to all elections

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 and the completed Affidavit and Authorization form from the voter.     Affidavit and Authorization Form

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VOTING THE ABSENTEE BALLOT
(F.S. 101.65)

• VERY IMPORTANT!!
  If you need to update your signature, you will need to use a voter registration application and our office needs to receive it no later than the 15th day before election day.
• 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)

MILITARY INFORMATION
 

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).