/
 2020 Election Monitor  Training  2020 Election Monitor  Training

2020 Election Monitor Training - PowerPoint Presentation

celsa-spraggs
celsa-spraggs . @celsa-spraggs
Follow
348 views
Uploaded On 2020-04-04

2020 Election Monitor Training - PPT Presentation

Provided by the State Board of Election Commissioners 501 Woodlane Suite 401N Little Rock AR 72201 5016821834 18004116996 Election Monitor Training 2 The State Board of Election Commissioners ID: 775578

voter ballot poll election voter ballot poll election address step provisional voting absentee voters county ballots envelope list clerk

Share:

Link:

Embed:

Download Presentation from below link

Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document " 2020 Election Monitor Training" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.


Presentation Transcript

Slide1

2020Election Monitor TrainingProvided by the: State Board of Election Commissioners501 Woodlane – Suite 401NLittle Rock, AR 72201501-682-18341-800-411-6996

Slide2

Election Monitor Training

2

The State Board of Election Commissioners

(SBEC) is

required by law

to train and certify

Election Monitors.

Election Monitors may be appointed to serve

as an observer and report to the SBEC on the

conduct of the election upon written request

and approval by the SBEC.

Slide3

Election Monitor Training

3

Election Monitors are required to:

(see Monitor Rule)

Maintain strict impartiality and not display partisan material

Be unobtrusive and not interfere with the process

Carry and present documentation issued by the SBEC

Base all observations on documented and factual evidence

Refrain from making any comments to media or other parties

Prepare a post-election report and submit to the SBEC

Slide4

Election Monitor Training

4

Election Monitors CANNOT be:

(see Monitor Rule)

Paid employee of a political party or person running for office

Be an elected official or County Board member

Be an officer of a political party’s county committee

Be married to or related within the 2

nd

degree to a candidate running for office

(can be waived by SBEC Director)

Slide5

Election Monitor Training

5

Monitor Questionnaire

The Following Slides are a Training Given to all Poll Workers in each county

Slide6

Poll Worker Qualifications

MUST

Be a qualified elector*Be able to read & write EnglishBe a resident of the countyTake oath prior to serving in your official capacityAttend mandatory training conducted by SBEC

MUST NOT

Be guilty of violating any election lawBe a candidate (except county committee) while servingBe a paid employee of a political party or of any candidate running for office on the county’s ballotBe employed by a company doing business with the CBECBe married or related to a candidate running for office while serving, if an objection is madeBe a county political party chairman or the spouse of a chairman (if an objection is made) (Act 258) Be a CBEC member or the spouse of a CBEC member (if an objection is made) (Act 258)

)

Slide7

Before Opening the Polls

Ensure Your Poll Is Accessible to Disabled VotersConsult local instruction from your CBECArrange the pollEnsure privacy and accessibility No one within 6 feet of machine

7

“The machine shall be placed so that no person can see or determine how the voter casts his or her vote.” A.C.A. §7-5-521

“Each voter shall be provided the privacy to mark his or her ballot. Privacy shall be provided by the poll workers at each polling site or by the county clerk, if the county clerk conducts early voting, to ensure that a voter desiring privacy is not singled out.” A.C.A §7-5-310

Slide8

Accessible Polling Sites

Ensure poll is accessible for disabled votersIf your poll requires modifications, your county election officials will provide you with polling site specific instructions

These Modification May Address

Path Into the PollTemporary RampsBlocking Off Handicap SpacesSignageDoor Handles (non-leaver)Clip On HandlesProp Open/Install Door BellAssign Poll Worker to DoorMark obstructions for visually impaired votersEnsure accessible voting equipment is available

8

Slide9

Posting Required Information Required - P. 14

Notice of ElectionInstructions on How to Vote (Two Copies)Instructions on Voting Machine OperationVoting Rights Poster (Provided by SOS)State & Federal Election Law Poster (Provided by SOS)List of Registered Voters by Precinct (Usually a bound volume)

Sample BallotsPost on wall unless provided in bound or electronic formText of Ballot Measures Poll Watchers Rights and Responsibilities VOTE HERE Signs Placed Near Each Main Driveway Entrance Any Required Temporary ADA Signage ZERO TAPESSigned by all Poll Workers

9

Slide10

Posting Required Information Recommended - P. 14

Notice of ElectioneeringSee Page 53Warning for Incorrect Ballot StylesSee Page 17Primary Runoff Only: Crossover Voting WarningSee Page 31Mark 100 feet from primary entrance to the polling sight To clearly mark the boundary for electioneeringPlace trash can near the primary exterior entrance to allow voter to discard any campaign literature they were handed on the way into the poll

10

Slide11

Open the Poll

Open promptly at 7:30am *Keep open continuously until 7:30pm *What if the Poll Tablets cannot be connected to the internet?What if the Tabulator fails or isn’t available at 7:30am?What if the ballot markers are not functioning? Open the poll to voting at 7:30amReport the problem immediately to the CBEC or designated contact

11

Slide12

Step 1: Ask the voter to state his or her name aloud *Enter the name into the tablet to find the PVR List Entry for the voter and select the voter’s entry when it is found If multiple voters have the same name, it may be necessary to enter their date of birth alsoStep 2: Ask the voter to state his or her address and date of birth aloud *Poll Watchers must be able to hear the information and have the opportunity to objectDO NOT use a Photo ID to obtain this information *Step 3: Verify that the information given by the voter is the same as the information in the PVR List (tablet)

How to Process Voters into the Poll

(Step 1-3) p.23

Slide13

How to Verify the NameStep 3 (Supplemental) P.23

If the voter’s name varies slightly, but the name is comparable, then move forwardAbby vs. AbbigailBill vs. William If the voter’s name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, etc., then the voter must complete a Voter Registration Application * (Votes a Regular Ballot)

13

Slide14

How to Verify the DOBStep 3 (Supplemental) P.23

If the date of birth is incorrect in the Poll Book, but the voter asserts this is a clerical error, then continue with the Photo ID process *Provides Photo ID (Showing the DOB stated by the voter) – Have voter complete a Voter Registration Application and issue a Regular BallotDoes NOT Provide Photo ID – Have the voter vote a Provisional Ballot *

14

Slide15

Step 4: Check to see whether the voter is “flagged”Flagged voters have Special ID Requirements:Must show a CURRENT Driver License - NOT EXPIREDMust show one of the following: Current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows: Voter's Name and Voting Address Step 5: Ask the voter to provide a Photo ID *Step 6: Use the Photo ID to:Compare the photo on the ID to the person standing in front of you; ANDCompare the name on the ID to the name in the PVR List (tablet)DO NOT compare the address on the ID to the address in the PVR List

How to Process Voters Into the Poll

Step 4-5-6 - p.23

Slide16

Voters must verify their registration by showing a document or identification card that shows the name and photograph of the person to whom it was issued and is issued by:The United States, The State of Arkansas, Any Postsecondary Educational Institution accredited in the State, orThe County ClerkIf the Photo ID displays an expiration date, it must either be current or not expired more than four years before the date of the election in which the person seeks to vote

Requirements for the Photo ID

Step 5-6

(

Supplemental

)

p.23

Slide17

Requirements for the Photo IDStep 5-6 (Supplemental) p.23

Examples of acceptable Voter IDs include

(but are not limited to):

An Arkansas driver’s license;

A concealed carry handgun license;

A US passport;

An employee badge or ID document issued by the

State

of

Arkansas

, the

federal government,

or a

postsecondary educational institution located in Arkansas

;

A US military ID document;

A

student

ID card issued by a postsecondary educational institution;

A public assistance ID card; or

A voter ID card issued by the county clerk.

EXCEPTION

:

Voters who live in a long-term or residential care facility licensed by the state may show

documentation from the administrator (Documentation of Residency)

attesting that the voter is a resident of the facility

Slide18

Assessing Validity of ID Step 5-6 (Supplemental) P.35

When comparing the photo:Allow for changes in hair color, glasses, facial hair, cosmetics, weight, age, injury, and other changes in physical characteristicsWhen comparing the name, accept variations that are explained by:Abbreviations of a nameNicknamesChanges due to marriage, divorce, adoption, etc. Accept if name on ID is “substantially similar” and any variations are adequacy explainedIf you agree the ID fails to verify the voter’s registration:Ask for another form of ID and if none:Refer to Poll Judge

18

Slide19

Assessing Validity of ID Step 5-6 (Supplemental) P.35

If the poll worker determines that the ID does not depict the voter, or the name is not similar, the voter is referred to the

Election Judge

of the poll

The

Election Judge

shall:

Compare the name of the voter to the PVR

Compare the photo to the voter

The

Election Judge

shall resolve any marginal cases in favor of the voter

If the

Election Judge

determines that the ID does not depict the voter then the voter is offered a

Provisional Ballot

Slide20

How to Process Voters into the PollStep 7-8 - P.24

Step 7: Select the “ID Provided/Issue Regular Ballot” box on the PVR ListStep 8: Pass the ID to the poll worker keeping the list of votersTo ensure correct spelling of name Add name to the numbered List of Voters formReturn ID to voter

20

Slide21

How to Process Voters into the PollStep 9a - P.24

Step 9: For Primary Elections, ask the voter “which party primary he or she wishes to vote in.” Select the appropriate party primary or nonpartisan election on the PVR tabletFor Primary Runoff Elections ONLY:Check the PVR List to ensure voters do not crossoverCrossover voting occurs when a voter in one primary votes in another party’s primary runoffCrossover voting is a CRIME

21

Slide22

How to Process Voters into the PollStep 10 - 14 - P.24

Step 10: Allow the voter to sign the Poll Book tabletStep 11: After voter signs, then select “Print Precinct Bar Code”Step 12: Mark the “ID Provided” box Unless the voter provided a document from a nursing home in lieu of a Photo IDStep 13-14: Insert a blank ballot into the printer and provide the ballot to the voter

22

Slide23

Fail-safe Voting

Steps to take when the Voter’s Statements do not match the PVR List

23

Slide24

Fail-safe Voting *

If a person attempts to vote and asserts they are eligible to vote in the election then one of three things must happen:The voter votes a Regular Ballot;The voter votes a Provisional Ballot; orIf you do not have vote centers, the voter is sent to another poll that has the correct ballot style available.

24

Slide25

Voter States an Address that does not Compare(Fail-safe Voting) P.25-26

Situation

Voter states their address, Poll Workers compare the address to the PVR List Address in the PVR List differs from the stated address

How to Proceed

Turn the voter over to the Poll Judge DO NOT proceed until someone has called the County Clerk *- ALWAYS! New address in county and assigned to this polling site: If the address stated by the voter is in the same county (and Congressional District) and the voters at the new address also vote at this poll:Votes a regular ballotBallot style for the “new” addressVoter MUST complete and return an updated voter registration application BEFORE you issue the ballot *

25

Slide26

Address Differs From PVR List –Solution

VOTE CENTER COUNTYVoter’s Address is in the County

Inform the voter they will be able to cast a regular ballotBEFORE SENDING THE VOTER BACK TO THE CHECK IN PROCESS: Have the voter complete a new Voter Registration Application *

Voter’s Address cannot be found in the County

Inform the voter that he or she will need to cast a provisional ballotBegin Provisional Ballot Procedure P. 39

26

Slide27

Voter States an Address that Does Not Compare(Fail-safe Voting) P.25-26

Eligible Voter at the Wrong PollAddress in county and NOT assigned to this polling site NON - VOTE CENTER COUNTY

If the address stated by the voter is in the same county (and Congressional District) and the voters at the new address also vote at this poll:Votes a regular ballot Must be sent to the new address polling site with “Change in Polling Site Authorization Form” Voter MUST complete and return an updated voter registration application*

27

Slide28

Eligible Voter at the Wrong Poll – P.29

If you are informed by the County Clerk that an eligible voter is at the wrong poll:Complete the “Change in Polling Site Authorization Form” County Clerk will provide the relevant informationInstruct the voter on how to reach the correct poll

28

Slide29

Voter not In the PVR List(Fail-safe Voting) P.25-26

Situation

Voter states their name, address, and DOBThe poll workers cannot find the voter in the PVR ListVoter believes he or she is registered

How To Proceed

Turn the voter over to the Poll Judge DO NOT proceed unless you or your Poll Judge have called the County Clerk *ALWAYS! *Follow instructions of your Poll Judge and/or the County Clerk

29

Slide30

Voter States an Address that does not Compare(Fail-safe Voting) P.25-26

Voter Found in PVR List

If the County Clerk is able to find the voter in the PVR List:Votes a regular ballot IF address is assigned to another poll, voter is given the “Change in Polling Site Authorization Form” Voter MUST complete and return an updated voter registration application *

30

Slide31

Voter State an Address that does not Compare(Fail-safe Voting) P.25-26

Voter Not Found in PVR List

If the County Clerk is NOT able to find the voter in the PVR List:The voter is required to vote a provisional ballotThe County Clerk will identify which ballot style is assigned to the precinct part where the address stated by the voter is locatedVoter MUST complete and return an updated voter registration application *

31

Slide32

Voter Received an Absentee Ballot or Is Marked as Having Already Voted(Fail-safe Voting) P.25-26

AbsenteeIf the PVR List indicates that a voter received an absentee ballot then the voter is required to cast a provisional ballotIf a voter received an absentee ballot, but did not return it, the provisional vote will countAlready VotedIf the PVR List indicates that voter has already voted, the voter still has the option to cast a provisional ballot if they assert they have not actually voted The County Election Commission will have to determine whether the voter is attempting to vote twice

32

Slide33

Procedure for Assisting Voters *P.36-37

Poll Worker Must List: The name of each voter that is assisted; andThe names of the two poll workers who assist the voterOne to assist and one to observe (w/out comment or interpretation); OR list the name and address of the person chosen by the voter to assist them

33

Slide34

Limits on Assisting Voters *P.36-37

TWO Poll Workers: May assist an unlimited number of votersMust be accompanied by a second poll worker!Third Parties: May assist up to six voters if: Voter requests the assistance (not the 3rd party)Candidates: May assist up to six blood relativesWithin two degrees of relationshipAll Assistants: Required to ONLY mark the ballot as directed by the votersAssistants who engage in electioneering should be documented (including their name) and removed

34

Slide35

Important Reminders on Assistance to Voters

A voter must personally request helpPoll workers and poll watchers cannot suggest to a voter that he or she needs assistancePoll workers can allow voters who are unable to stand in line, due to a disability, to move to the front of the lineBallots cannot be taken out of the polling room during voting hoursA person assisting a voter cannot misrepresent the content of the ballot or change or mark the ballot, except as intended by voter

35

Slide36

Poll Watchers and Vote ChallengesP. 47-50

Poll Watchers are representatives of a candidate, party, or ballot issue groupMust provide a Poll Watcher Authorization FormPoll Watcher ChallengesA poll watcher must notify a poll worker of the challenge before the voter signs the PVR List; andComplete the Challenged Ballot Form on the Provisional Voter Envelope

36

Slide37

Poll Watchers

Poll Watchers Can Observe poll workers Stand close enough to the place where voters check in to vote so they can hear a voter’s name Compile lists of voters Challenge ballots before the voter signs the PVR List and only on the grounds that: The voter is not eligible to vote in the precinct; or The voter has previously voted in that election Call any perceived irregularity or election law violation to the attention of the Poll JudgePoll Watchers Can NOTBe within 6 feet of any voting machines or voting boothsSpeak to voters or Try to influence voters: Inside the poll; or Inside the prohibited electioneering zonesDisrupt elections

37

Slide38

Electioneering P.51-53

What is Electioneering?The display of, or audible dissemination of, information that advocates for or against any candidate, issue, or measure on a ballot (Act 533 of 2019)Prohibited within 100 feetPreventionInstruct any person entering the poll who is wearing or displaying campaign articles to remove them immediatelyCheck the poll frequently for campaign articles and remove them promptlyMonitor the electioneering prohibition zone periodically to ensure compliancePost the Notice on Electioneering

38

Slide39

Electioneering P.51-53

Displays of a candidate’s name, likeness, or logo;Displays of a ballot measure's number, title, subject, or logo;Audible dissemination of electioneering information;Handing out literature on any candidate or issue on the ballot;Soliciting signatures on any petition;Soliciting contributions; orAttempting to win votes by wearing or displaying buttons, hats, pencils, pens, shirts, signs, sticklers, or other articles designed to influence voters

39

Slide40

Spoiled Ballots P.55-57

Write Cancelled on the ballot, initial the spoiled ballot, and place it in the Spoiled Ballot EnvelopeFill out the Spoiled Ballot AffidavitNo more than 3 ballots may be issued to one voter

40

Slide41

Abandoned Ballots P.55-56

Abandoned in the Electronic Ballot Scanner

With Two Poll Workers Present:Step 1: Override warning on the scannerStep 2: Complete the process of casting the ballotStep 3: Document the following on the Abandoned Ballot Log:Name of the voter; The time the ballot was found;Names of the poll workers addressing the issue; andAll other circumstances surrounding the abandoned ballot.The Abandoned Ballot Log is on Page 59 of your Manual

Abandoned Elsewhere in the Poll (not on scanner or machine)

With Two Poll Workers Present:Step 1: Write ABANDONED across the face of the ballotStep 2: Place the ballot in a separate envelopeStep 3: Write Abandoned Ballot on the envelopeStep 4: Document all circumstances on the outside of the envelopeStep 5: Preserve abandoned ballot separately from other ballotsBallots not found in the tabulator are NOT counted!

41

Slide42

Abandoned Ballot Log - P.59

42

Slide43

Candidates in the Poll *

No candidates are allowed in person as poll watchers during voting on election dayCandidates may be present in person at an early voting poll: Only for the purpose of observing May not challenge voters Must show IDIf the candidate observing early voting is also a public official:The candidate may not wear anything that identifies him or her as a public official. For example, a candidate cannot wear a:Uniform;Badge; orOther apparel or equipment.

43

Slide44

Who Is Allowed in the Polls? *

Election Officials Poll Watchers Voters Persons in the care of voters who are not eligible to vote Persons who are lawfully assisting a voter Law enforcement and other emergency personnel Monitors authorized by SBEC or federal agency Persons with business in the building (go directly to and from business) Persons assisting the CBEC Persons authorized by the SBEC or CBEC

44

Slide45

Provisional Voting Procedures

45

Slide46

Is this a Provisional Voter? P.41 *

46

Slide47

How to Process A Provisional Voter *(Step 1-2) P.39

Step 1: Inform the voter that he or she is required to vote a provisional ballotStep 2: Complete the List of Provisional Voters Form (P.45)

47

Slide48

How to Process A Provisional Voter *(Step 3-4) p.39

Step 3: Complete the poll worker portion of the Provisional BallotStep 4: Voter reviews and signs the Eligibility Affirmation

48

Slide49

Provisional Voting *

To be completed by the

poll workerTo be completed only if the ballot is challenged by a poll watcherMust be completed by the poll worker Must be signed by the voter forany provisional ballot to be considered valid by CBECOptional statement that may be signed by a voter who is unable to provide ID to the poll workerBoth squares are to becompleted by the poll worker

Slide50

Ask the voter to provide a Photo IDUse the Photo ID to:Compare the photo on the ID to the person standing in front of you ANDCompare the name on the ID to the name recorded in the PVR List (or stated by the voter and recorded on the Provisional Envelope)DO NOT compare the address on the ID to the address in the PVR List

How to Process a Provisional Voter *

(Step 5-6) P.39

Slide51

Step 7: The poll worker must “witness” the voter signing the Eligibility AffirmationStep 8: (The voters did not provide Photo ID) The poll worker must inform the voter that they may sign the Optional Verification of Identity Affirmation

How to Process a Provisional Voter *(Step 7-8) P.39

Slide52

How to Process a Provisional Voter *(Step 9-10) P.40

Step 9: The Poll worker must mark the reason (or reasons) for voting a provisional ballot in the “Reasons for Provisional Voting” box. Step 10: The Poll worker must document the ballot style issued in the “Ballot Style” box and sign the ballot style statement.

52

Slide53

How to Process a Provisional Voter *(Step 11-12) P.40

Step 11

:

Voter is issued their ballot (and a ballot secrecy envelope)

IF

the voter is not disputing the ballot style identified as theirs by the county clerk or PVR List, then issue that ballot style to the voter.

IF

the voter disputes their assigned ballot, issue the ballot requested by the voter

Step 12

:

Voter marks the ballot

, seals the ballot in the secrecy envelope, and seals the secrecy envelope in the provisional ballot envelope

Slide54

How to Process a Provisional Voter *(Step 13-15) P.40

Step 13: Issue a “Notice to Provisional Voters”Mark the reason (or reasons) for the provisional vote (P. 43)Step 14: Deposit completed provisional ballot envelope in a secure container

54

Slide55

Poll Watcher Challenges P.47

How to Challenge:

Challenge must be made prior to the voter signing the PVR List/Tablet Challenge causes the voter to vote provisionally Poll watcher must complete the challenge form on the Provisional Ballot Envelope

What to Challenge:

A poll watcher may challenge a voter for the following reasons: Voter is not eligible to vote at the polling siteNot registeredVoting using an incorrect address (on the wrong ballot)Voter has already voted

55

Slide56

Closing the Poll – P. 63 *

Closing Procedures *Announce that the poll is closed precisely at 7:30pmAllow persons already in line at 7:30pm to voteTotal the number of voters on the List of Voters formCertify, attest, and sign the List of Voters formSecure Ballots for Transport *Depart PollDeliver materials to County ClerkDeliver materials to County Election Commission

56

Slide57

Closing the DS 200 Tabulator – P. 64

Step 1

: Record the public count on the Poll Workers’ Certificate P. 69Step 2: Open the security door and push the “Close Poll” button Step 3: Tap the “Close Poll” button on the screen

57

Slide58

Closing the DS 200 Tabulator and other Voting Equipment – P. 63 -64

Step 4: Three results tapes will printStep 5: SIGN ALL THREE and post one copy in the pollOther two signed result tapes returned to CBECStep 6: Tap “Finished” and turn off the tabulatorClosing Electronic Poll Tablets: Procedures on Page 63Closing Ballot Marking Devices Procedures on Page 64

58

Slide59

Departing the PollFollow any specific instructions from CBECRemove postings and collect “VOTE HERE” signsCollect all supplies and election materialsPut the poll back in orderSeal stub boxes for transport to County Board of Election Commission Remember to take ALL BALLOTS from the tabulators and return to CBECComprehensive Checklist beginning on Page 71

59

Slide60

Deliver to CBEC Sealed package holding the election media sticks or PEBs and certified returns (results tapes) Obtain a receiptPaper ballots preserved separately & secured Voted paper ballots in a secured container with a numbered seal Unused, provisional, cancelled, defective ballots Election supplies and materials A copy of the Certificates of Election Results One copy of any tally sheets, if any Other election returns A completed poll worker guide/checklist

60

Slide61

61

Results - Election Night p. 81

At the Polls

PWs Announce Closure of the Poll @ 7:30pmVoters in line Must be allowed to VotePWs Close Voting Equipment in View of PublicProduce 3 Results TapesPWs Sign all Three Results TapesPost One on Wall of Poll Allow Public to ReadReturn other results tapes and election media to the CBEC Central Counting Location

At the Central Counting Location

Compile electronic countywide totals from election media

Declare preliminary and unofficial results for state & federal elections, including a count of outstanding UOCAVA ballots & provisional ballots

Report precinct results to the SOS via the election night reporting interface

Report Early and Absentee “

as soon as Practical

Report Each Precinct (or vote center) as they become available

ALL OPEN TO PUBLIC

Slide62

Official Results – Post Election p. 81

62

CBEC

MUST:

Manually compile countywide totals from polling sites’ certified return records (Signed Results Tapes)

Verify that the Manually Compiled totals match the Electronically Compiled Totals Reported on Election Night

Add Valid Write-in Votes (General Election Only)

Produce a results tape from each voting machine used

Process All Provisional Ballots

Certify the Election and Submit Results to SOS by:

Primary (10 Days)

General (15 Days)

Slide63

Early Voting

Additional Conditions when Conducting Early Voting

63

Slide64

Early Voting

Same as Election Day, except:Keep daily dated records of numbers of ballots cast signed by the poll workersAt the end of each day – secure the machines, materials, and ALL ballotsLock up to prevent unauthorized tamperingCounty Clerk updates VR database within 24 hours Early Voting Request FormEarly voting may be conducted using an Early Voting Request Form rather that the PVR ListIf using the Early Voting Request Form, must record the voter’s Precinct Number

64

Slide65

Absentee Ballot ProcessingThis section provides instruction for election official's designated to process Absentee Ballots Specifically, we’ll cover:Process of Absentee VotingCanvassing Absenting BallotsCounting Absentee Ballots

65

Slide66

Absentee Voting Generally

Any voter may apply to receive an absentee ballot if they:Will be unavoidably absent from his or her voting place on the day of the election; orWill be unable to attend the polls on election day because of illness or physical disabilityBallots may be Received and Returned: By the VoterBy a 3rd Party Designated by the VoterBy Mail

66

Slide67

Applying for an Absentee Ballot

An application must include the voter’s: Name Voting AddressDate of BirthSignature The County Clerk will ensure this information matches the voter’s information in the Voter Registration Database before a ballot is sent.

67

Slide68

Absentee Ballot Application

An Application for an Absentee Ballot may be made:

Using this form provided by the state, orVia a letter, fax, or email containing the required information.

68

Slide69

The Job of an Absentee Ballot Clerk

Open the Absentee Ballot Envelope Determine whether the absentee ballots are eligible to be counted Complete the Provisional Ballot paperwork for any ballot which must be considered a Provisional BallotCount the Ballots Certify the Vote Count and turn all materials over to the County Election Commission Process all Provisional Ballots BEFORE the polls close on election day

69

Slide70

Process for Opening Absentee Ballots

Step 1: Clerk 1, while observed by another election official, opens the return (outer) envelope and verifies that the following are present: Voter Statement, ID Documents (Not required in all ballots),The Ballot Secrecy (inner) Envelope (keep sealed)If everything is in order proceed to Step 2. If something is missing, attempt to locate the missing document using the following procedures.

70

Slide71

Documents Missing in Outer Envelope

71

If the voter statement and/or ID are

NOT

in the return envelope separate from the inner “Ballot Only” envelope:

Clerk 1 removes the inner “Ballot Only” envelope from the outer return envelope and hands it to Clerk 2.

Clerk 2 inspects the inner “Ballot Only” envelope while being observed by Clerk 1.

Clerk 2 removes the voter statement and/or ID documents, if found, from the inner “Ballot Only” envelope and hands them to Clerk 1 along with the inner “Ballot Only” envelope.

Clerk 1 places the inner “Ballot Only” envelope back into the outer return envelope.

Slide72

Process for Opening Absentee Ballots

Step 2: Clerk 1 removes the documents other than the secrecy envelope.Voter Statement, Photo ID (Not required in all ballots)Step 3: Clerk 1 reads aloud the voter’s name and precinct (if known) from the voter statement. Step 4: Clerk 2 lists the name and precinct of the voter. Step 5: Clerk 1 & 2 compare the name, address, DOB, and signature on the absentee ballot application to the voter statement.

72

Slide73

Process for Canvasing Absentee Ballots

You Will Compare the Application & Voter Statement

NAME

ADDRESS

Slide74

Process for Canvasing Absentee Ballots

You Will Compare the Application & Voter Statement

SIGNATURE

DATE OF BIRTH

Slide75

Process for Canvasing Absentee Ballots

If the Front of the outer ballot envelope is marked as having been returned by a Designated Bearer, Authored Agent, or an Administrator then also complete Step 6. Step 6: Clerk 1 & 2 compare the name and address of the bearer, agent, or administrator written on the absentee ballot return envelope with the information on the voter statement.Step 7: Place the unopened inner “Ballot Only” envelope into the absentee ballot box if the ballot is to be counted.

75

Slide76

Process for Canvasing Absentee Ballots

You Will Compare the Application & Voter Statement

Address of Bearer/Agent

Name of Bearer/Agent

Slide77

General Rules for Evaluating Absentee Ballots

A ballot must be Rejected if:It comes in a bulk mailing from someone other than an administrator of a long-term care facility;A bulk mailing is when more than one absentee ballot is sent as a single piece of postage. The absentee ballot was cast by a voter who dies before the polls open on election day if it is postmarked, delivered by a bearer, agent or administrator, or, in the case of an active duty “armed services” voter, executed after the date the voter died.If there is any doubt about the validity of a ballot, set it aside for the election commission to review.

77

Slide78

Rules for Comparison – Bearer/Agent/Administrator

If an absentee ballot has the name and address of a Bearer, Agent, or Administrator on the outside envelope, the following rules apply:If the name and address match the name and address on the voter statement then the ballot is Counted.If the voter statement includes a name and address of a bearer but the name/address differs from the outside envelope then the ballot is made Provisional. If the voter listed no bearer, agent, or administrator on the voter statement then the ballot is Rejected.

78

Slide79

Rules for Comparison - Name

A voter’s name on the application must compare to the name on the voter’s statement.Slight Variations in a voter’s name are acceptable:Bill vs. WilliamAbby vs. AbbigailA name with reasonable variations between the voter statement and the application is accepted if it “compares” and all the other information (DOB, address, signature, ID) demonstrates that it is the same person and will be Counted.If a name does not compare with a voter statement then check to ensure you have all the absentee ballot applications. If you do, the ballot must be Rejected.

79

Slide80

Rules for Comparison – Address & Date of Birth

The Voter’s Voting Address in the statement must match exactly to the application.State, City, and Street abbreviation are acceptableIf the voter has used a PO Box as a voting Address then that ballot must be rejected. The voter’s Date-of-Birth must match exactly.You may accept a numerically stated month and day which are transposed as both (day / month) and (month / day) are acceptable conventions. If the address and DOB match then the ballot is Counted. If not than the ballot is Rejected.

80

Slide81

Rules for Comparison – Signature

A voter’s signature on the application must compare to the signature on the voter’s statement.Election officials are not handwriting experts. Do not Reject a ballot on the basis that the signatures do not compare unless there is a distinct and easily recognizable difference between the signature on the absentee ballot application and the voter statement.

81

Slide82

Rules for Comparison – Signature

However, if the Voter Statement is not signed then the ballot must be rejected. All voters must attest to their eligibility before voting. Absentee voters do this by signing the voter statement.

82

Slide83

Evaluating the Photo ID – Overview

The General Rule is that all Absentee Ballots must include a copy of a Photo ID satisfying the general voter ID rules. The following are EXCEPTIONS with their own special rules:Military and Merchant Marine voters (and their dependents) who are away from the county because of the active duty serviceNOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ANY FORM OF ID Residents of a long-term care or residential care facility licensed by the state May provide a document signed by the administrator attesting that they are a resident. Flagged First time VotersCopy of a current photo ID or a qualifying document with the voter’s name and address.

83

Slide84

Because the voter is not present you will only use the Photo ID to compare the name on the ID to the Name on the Application and Voter Statement. The name should be consistent, allowing for abbreviations, nicknames, & name changes.Photo IDThe verification of voter registration is used to verify the name of the voter and that there is a photo associated with that name, not address and date-of-birth.

Evaluating the Photo ID

Slide85

Evaluating the Photo ID

An absentee ballot which is subject to the general Photo ID requirements and fails to include a copy of a qualifying document must be made provisional and submitted to the CBEC for review with all provisional ballots. A ballot will need to be made provisional even if the optional “Verification of Identity Affirmation” is signed.

85

Slide86

Counting Absentee Ballots

If, after analyzing the provisional ballot materials, Clerk 1 and 2 agree that the ballot is eligible to be counted, the ballot secrecy envelope is placed into the ballot box (unopened). When it is time to count the ballots, election officials must: Mix the sealed inner “Ballot Only” envelopes thoroughly;Open the inner “Ballot Only” envelopes; Count any write-in votes first; and Count the remaining ballots by hand or electronic tabulating device at the discretion of the election commission.

86

Slide87

Counting “Special Runoff Ballots”Preferential Primary or General

A “Special Runoff Ballot” is a ballot provided to UOCAVA (overseas) voters to allow them to vote in any potential runoff without having to be sent and return a second ballot. The ballot allows the voter to rank each candidate numerically from most preferred to least preferred. If an absentee ballot contains a “Special Runoff Ballot:” That ballot must be preserved (in the secrecy envelope) with the absentee ballot application, and the envelope in which the ballot was including: The Voter Statement; and Any ID Related Documentation.These must be preserved separately from other materials.

87

Slide88

STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS501 Woodlane Street – Suite 401NLittle Rock, Arkansas 72201(501)682-1834 or (800)411-6996Fax: (501)682-1782info.sbec@arkansas.govwww.arkansas.gov/sbec

88