The Aug. 18 Primary has been certified and the St. Johns County Election Office is preparing for the general election.
The elections office is sharing important information with voters to prepare for voting in November. The information especially important for voters who choose to vote by mail.
Here are some statistics from the August Primary:
■ 49, 820 vote by mail ballots were mailed for the Primary Election
■ 27,158 were voted and returned
■ 1,068 ballots were returned to the Elections Office as undeliverable mail
■* 59 vote-by-mail ballots were not counted because voters did not sign their envelope
■* 27 vote-by-mail ballots were not counted because voter’s signature did not match their record
■ 234 ballots were received late and could not be counted. Most of these ballots were mailed on election day or the day after the election
■ Seven vote-by-mail ballots were turned in at the polls on Election Day and could not be counted
(* – When a voter does not sign their ballot or their signature differs, the voter is contacted (phone, email and U.S. Mail) and given the opportunity to cure his or her signature until 5 p.m. on the second day following the election.)
Voters whose ballots were not counted will be receiving letters from the Elections Office letting them know, so they can take the appropriate action to ensure their ballot will count in future elections.
Vote by mail ballots for the general election will be mailed Sept. 24 to voters who have requested them. You can track your vote by mail ballot by visiting www.votesjc.com and use My Voter Status.
Here are some tips for voters who choose to vote by mail. Follow these tips to ensure your ballot will count.
■ Request, vote and return your ballot in time to be counted
■ Make sure your address is up to date with the elections office so your ballot can reach you
■ In order to count, vote by mail ballots must be received in the elections office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day
■ Do not mail your ballot on Election Day as it will be late and will not count
■ Do not turn your voted ballot in at the polls; you can surrender it and vote in person
■ Sign your envelope
■ Update your signature if it has changed over the years
■ If you are contacted by elections office regarding your ballot, respond immediately; and the office will provide information on what you need to do cure your ballot so it will count
You have several options for returning your ballot. You can use the postage paid return envelope to mail your ballot, use the 24-hour drop box located in front of the elections office or use one the secure drop boxes. which will be available Oct. 19-31 at all early voting locations during the hours of voting.
The deadline to register for the general election is Oct. 5.
For help with voter registration or election
information, go to www.votesjc.com or call (904) 823-2238.
