When and How Are Ballots Counted?

The Elections Department processes ballots as they are returned, either by mail or in drop boxes. The first step is signature verification. We then open envelopes, remove ballots, and unfold them so they are ready to run through the counting equipment. Senate Bills 29 and 152 allows ballots for the September 14 election to be removed from envelopes and counted starting August 16 Ballots counted by Election Day will be part of the first results posted shortly after 8 p.m. on September 14.

Ballots received less than four days before the election, on Election Day, or in the grace period following the election will be counted after the election. Ballots must be postmarked by September 14 and received by September 21 to be counted. The ballot return envelope must be signed to avoid delays in processing. The Elections Department will mail a letter to voters giving them the opportunity to fix a signature problem.