ELECTIONS

Utah voter info: What if there’s a problem with my ballot?

Oct 14, 2020, 9:32 AM

Image of a person voting by mail in Utah. After a Utah lawmaker suggested that voters should have t...

FILE- A employee at the Utah County Election office puts mail in ballots into a container to register the vote in the midterm elections on November 6, 2018 in Provo, Utah. (George Frey/Getty Images)

(George Frey/Getty Images)

Every Utah voter will automatically get a ballot in the mail starting this week. But how do you make sure your ballot doesn’t have a problem and will be counted? Our team found the answers for you.

Information every Utah voter needs to know:

The Nov. 3 General Election in Utah will conducted mainly by mail.

The US Postal Service has urged Utah voters to return by-mail ballots a week before Election Day to help ensure they arrive on time.

Ballots start going out to voters the week of Oct. 12, according to Utah state law.

The post office does not forward ballots.

Postage-paid return envelopes will be provided.

County clerks cannot give or mail ballots to anyone other than the voter.

You must postmark your ballot by no later than Nov. 2, 2020, the day before Election Day. Ballots must arrive at the Election Division by noon on the day of the Board of Canvassers Meeting (Nov. 17) to be valid.

If you’re not sure it’ll make it on time, drop your ballot off in person or at a drop box.

What if there’s a problem with my ballot?

If you make a mistake and need a new ballot, contact you county clerk here for instructions on how to fix it or to receive a new ballot.

If you are not sure whether you signed your affidavit, sign the outside of the envelope.

The signature on that affidavit confirms your identity as the voter who voted the ballot. The signature on the affidavit is compared to your signature on your voter-registration form.

If you make a mistake marking your ballot, cross through the incorrect oval and name. Fill in the correct oval and circle both the oval and the name of the correct choice.

Do not sign or initial your ballot.

The Utah Code notification process says:

  • Election officials notify voters of ballot rejection in one to two business days if rejected before Election Day;
  • seven days if rejected on Election Day; and
  • seven days if rejected between Election Day and the end of official canvas.

What happens if my signature on my ballot envelope doesn’t match?

Your county election officials will compare the signature on your ballot envelope with the signature on your previous ballots and your voter-registration form. If your signature does not match, your county clerk will notify you. You will be given an opportunity to submit an affidavit called a “cure letter” that allows you to affirm that your signature is correct. Once your county election official receives your affidavit, the ballot will be counted.

What happens if my ballot is rejected?

If your ballot is rejected, you will be notified and given instructions on how to correct the problem. The most common reasons ballots are rejected are unsigned ballot envelopes or the signature does not match the voter’s registration record. A rejected ballot will be counted once the problem is corrected.

Only you can sign your ballot

No one else can sign your ballot affidavit for you. If you are unable to sign, please contact our office. Individuals with power of attorney cannot sign the ballot affidavit for a voter.

Can I change my signature?

You may update your signature by completing an online voter registration form or a mail-in form that are both available on your county clerk website. Don’t have internet access? Registration forms can be found at post offices and in election offices.

If you live in Salt Lake County

Voters already registered in Salt Lake County, but who have moved within the county, do not need to re-register to vote. Please call the Election Division at 385-468-8683 or send an e-mail to Got-Vote@slco.org with your name and your new address in Salt Lake County. Your new address will be updated.

If you need your ballot mailed to an address other than your home address, call 385-468-7400 or email got-vote@slco.org.

Voters previously registered in another county in Utah will need to re-register to vote in Salt Lake County. And if you move outside of Salt Lake County, you will need to re-register to vote in the new county or state of residency. Refer to the information above regarding the various methods you can use to register to vote.

Need information for another county? Check out our voter information guide here, which includes contact info for your county clerk. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections

Governor candidate Phil Lyman makes a statement after leaving the court room with Layne Bangerter a...

Simone Seikaly

Lyman announces new running mate choice

In a post on X, Lyman said he's picked Natalie Clawson as his running mate as he seeks the office of Utah Governor.

1 day ago

Governor candidate Phil Lyman makes a statement after leaving the court room with Layne Bangerter a...

Simone Seikaly

Judge says Lyman’s pick for Utah Lieutenant Governor is ineligible

Judge Matthew Bates said that the Utah Constitution is clear in the language used for residency requirements of statewide candidates.

2 days ago

Phil Lyman, candidate for governor, speaks during the Utah Republican Party state nominating conven...

Peter Johnston

Governor candidate Phil Lyman sues Lt. Gov. to get running mate on the ballot

The Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office did not accept the declaration of candidacy from Lyman's running mate, Layne Bangerter.

5 days ago

Lt. Gov. candidate Rebekah Cummings listens to State Rep. Brian King, Democratic candidate for gove...

Emma Keddington

LISTEN: Gubernatorial candidate Brian King chooses Rebekah Cummings as running mate

State Representative and Gubernatorial candidate Brian King has announced his running mate Monday afternoon, Rebekah Cummings.

6 days ago

County signs are pictured at the Utah Republican Party state nominating convention. Layne Bangerter...

Derrick Jones

Phil Lyman’s running mate does not meet candidacy eligibility, advisor says

The filing officer has denied Layne Bangerter's candidacy eligibility to hold the running mate position for Phil Lyman because he doesn't meet the residency requirements stated in the Utah Constitution.

6 days ago

Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at GOP Convention...

Peter Johnston

Gov. Cox forced into primary at convention, criticizes caucus-convention system

During his speech, Gov. Spencer Cox criticized the caucus-convention structure to the boos of some Republican members.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Utah voter info: What if there’s a problem with my ballot?