Election FAQs
When will I get my ballot? You can track your ballot at www.romi.gov/ivote and this will direct you to an SOS page. Click on the Am I Registered page. Once you are there fill out your name, birth month, birth year and zip code. It will then direct you to a page listing when your application was received and when your ballot was sent.
Why am I receiving multiple absentee ballot applications? You may have received multiple Absentee Ballot Applications in the mail because political parties, interest groups, candidates and even individuals are allowed to print and distribute absentee ballot applications. Just know that you will only receive one ballot no matter how many applications you submit to our office.
Why did I receive an absentee ballot application for someone who no longer lives at my address? Our qualified voter list is constantly changing. Despite our best efforts, residents do not always tell us when they move. If you receive an application for someone who no longer lives at your address, please mark the envelope as “Not at this address” or “Return to Sender” and place it back in the mail. You can also send us that information by taking a picture of the application and emailing it to us at cityclerkvote@romi.gov
Why do I have to apply for an absentee ballot? Absentee ballot applications are used to ensure that the voter requesting a ballot by mail is who they say they are. The application collects personal information and requires a signature that is verified using voter registration data in the Qualified Voter File. By sending absentee applications, clerks are able to update voter information to make sure that when it’s time to send ballots, those ballots are only sent to verified voters.
I am on the Permanent Absentee List so why do I have to keep filling out a new application for every election? Being on the Permanent Absentee List guarantees that you will receive an application for a ballot in the mail. It doesn’t grandfather anyone from never filling out the application again. We have to verify that the voter is who they say they are, that they are still alive and that they are still living at that residence.
What is the difference between an absentee ballot and a ballot issued in the precinct? The only difference is that voters can vote in the comfort of their home instead of standing in line at a precinct. Absentee ballots are the exact same paper ballot as a ballot issued in a precinct. Absentee ballots are also run through a tabulator on Election Day and are stored in the same secure containers as ballots issued in a precinct.
If I vote under the straight party category, but there is another candidate that I want to vote for on the ballot of a different party, does that nullify my ballot? No, you can vote straight party on your ballot and still choose candidates of multiple parties on the ballot.
What happens to my ballot after I turn it in? When we receive your ballot, your envelope is scanned, signature verified, your ballot marked in the system as received and it is stored in a locked vault until Election Day. Your ballot is not opened until Election Day when it is counted by the Absentee Counting Board. When your ballot envelope is opened on Election Day, it is separated from the envelope inside of a secrecy sleeve so that all votes remain secret.
What signature of mine are you using to verify against my ballot signature? It is the same signature that is on your drivers license. That signature is what is linked to your voter registration so that we have your most up to date signature on file.
Are all absentee ballots counted or just if it is a close race? ALL BALLOTS ARE COUNTED. Just like at the precincts, everything has to balance and match. We also go through a County canvass after the election is over to verify that all totals are correct.