Common Ballot Mistakes

Each election cycle, thousands of ballots are not counted due to preventable errors. Avoid these common mistakes related to completing and returning Absentee/By Mail ballots to ensure your ballot is counted.

1. Missed Deadlines

Ballots that arrive after the state deadline won’t be counted. Make sure your ballot has enough time to travel through the mail to your election office so that it is received on time.

In most states, ballots are due at your election official by the time polls close on Election Day — no matter when you put it in the mail. This means you should allow a week for your ballot’s travel time.

If you don’t have 7 days until Election Day, it’s best to pick an in-person return option where available. (Heads up: Not all states allow this — In Mississippi and Tennessee, ballots sent by mail can only be returned by mail. In a handful of other states — including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, West Virginia — hand-returned ballots are due before Election Day itself.)

2. Missing Voter Signatures

While each state's ballot is different, voters generally need to sign and date the designated section within the ballot return packet or outer envelope. Without these elements, your ballot may not be counted.

Your signature may be matched to the one the state has on file for your voter registration to confirm your identity, so make sure you write it the way you “usually” Now isn’t the time to try a new style! Some states have additional sections for Witness/Notary signatures, in addition to the voter's signature.

3. Missing Witness/Notary Signatures

10 states require a Witness and/or Notary Public to sign a designated section of the ballot packet.

This person should not look at how you vote, but only confirm you were the one who completed the ballot. In some states, they require 2 Witnesses.

In most cases, a Witness can be anyone who is 18+, including family members or spouse. In Minnesota, your Witness must be another registered MN voter.

Make sure your Witness fills out all required sections, such as their address when requested.



Missouri, Mississippi and Oklahoma are the most strict here, as they require ballots to be Notarized, with limited exceptions when the voter is physically disabled, ill, or incapacitated.  If returning your ballot in-person, the election official receiving your ballot can count as your Notary signature. If returning your ballot by mail, you must complete this step before sending your ballot.

4. Missing ID Number

There may be a section in your ballot packet to print an identification number, like a Driver's License Number or Social Security Number. Don’t return your ballot without printing this number fully and neatly.

Some states ask for a personal identification number on the ballot envelope or another section of your packet. This is used to help confirm your identity.  Often this is your Driver’s License Number or other State-issued ID Number or Social Security Number. There are usually fall-back options if not able to provide the requested number. (In a handful of states, they ask for a copy of your ID in the ballot packet rather than just writing the number.)

5. Missing Materials

Your ballot arrives with everything you need to return it. Use only the materials provided — don't exclude anything, or use your own.

Election officials have sophisticated procedures for counting and processing ballots. For them to work, you must use the provided, official materials. If your return envelope gets damaged by a spill or tear, contact your official ASAP to go through options — don’t use your own envelope.

Follow the instructions for how to fold your voted ballot inside the return envelope, and don’t add in anything that didn’t come with it (other than a copy of your ID, when required). Some ballot packets include a “secrecy sleeve” for your voted ballot, which goes inside the return envelope.just writing the number.)

5. Missing Materials

Your ballot arrives with everything you need to return it. Use only the materials provided — don't exclude anything, or use your own.

Election officials have sophisticated procedures for counting and processing ballots. For them to work, you must use the provided, official materials. If your return envelope gets damaged by a spill or tear, contact your official ASAP to go through options — don’t use your own envelope.

Follow the instructions for how to fold your voted ballot inside the return envelope, and don’t add in anything that didn’t come with it (other than a copy of your ID, when required). Some ballot packets include a “secrecy sleeve” for your voted ballot, which goes inside the return envelope.just writing the number.)