Best Practices for Vote By Mail in Florida

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE 

Sightline’s state-by-state guides are designed to give local election officials and legislators the information they need to identify and take the most important steps to get ready for November. Each set of state-specific resources includes best practices and established models from around the country, including practical nuts and bolts advice for clerks, materials from election administrators with experience conducting all mail elections, and information about vendors and costs.

How Florida is prepared for Vote By Mail

• Ballot tracking required by state law.
• Allows voters to cure signature problems until 5 p.m. on the second day after Election Day.
• Allows any voter to request an absentee ballot.
• Is a member of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).
• Uses voters’ signatures to verify ballots.
• Allows county clerks to start processing ballots up to 22 days before Election Day.
• Allows voters to register and request an absentee ballot online.
• Allows anyone to return sealed ballots in person.

RECOMMENDED STEPS FOR SECURE ELECTIONS

Within each section, recommendations are arranged roughly in order of importance and ease of implementation.

For Local Election Officials

• Coordinate with USPS.
• Design ballots and envelopes that are easy to use.
• Implement robust signature verification. 
• Provide secure drop boxes.
• Provide election day voting centers for in-person voting.
• Consider using a professional printer and sorter.
• Count ballots at a centralized, secure facility. 
• Include a postage prepaid return envelope.
• Invest in high-speed centralized equipment.

For Secretaries of State

• Mail absentee application forms to every registered voter.

For Lawmakers

• Account for voters with non-traditional addresses.
• Give voters a “single sign-up” option to permanently receive mailed-out ballots.
• Allow counties to accept ballots postmarked on election day.
• Allow voters to request a replacement ballot online.
• Automatically register voters and update their addresses.

Download the full Florida action packet, with detailed information for each recommendation.

Florida’s Grade for Vote By Mail preparedness = B-