Floridians whose votes were thrown out because of mismatched or missing signatures have until 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, to “cure” — or fix them— and have their votes counted.
That’s after a federal judge Thursday sided with Democratic incumbent Senator Bill Nelson and extended the signature curing deadline by two days.
The ruling could end up adding 268 votes in Duval County — 171 the supervisor’s office staff said didn’t match what’s on file and 97 with no signature— as a statewide recount continues in three races.
Duval Election Supervisor Mike Hogan said Thursday it’s up to voters to double check their ballot status. Some may have received notices of problems with their signatures, but those who voted by mail closer to Election Day, Nov. 6, might not know about issues.
Related
- Duval Election Returns
- More Florida Recount News
Timeline For Reporting And Certification Of 2018 Election Results
To check, go to DuvalElections.com and click My Voter Status. Once voters enter some personal information in a form, they can click Show My Mail Ballot Information under the heading “2018 General Election.”
Hogan said, “It will say, “Received,” and that means it’s good. If it says, “Received with ballot error,” that means there was no signature or a mismatch.”
A so-called “cure affidavit” – a form that asks for a signature and copy of an ID – is available here and in person at the supervisor’s office, 105 East Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Completed forms can be emailed to lhinson@coj.net or faxed to 904-630-2920.
But in a Florida election full of them, there’s a wrinkle for these voters.
A court appeal by Nelson’s opponent, Gov. Rick Scott, could take away the extra time to prove who they are, and their ballots could once again be thrown out. Scott’s campaign said Thursday he was appealing the ruling.
“We are immediately appealing this baseless decision and we are confident we will prevail in the Eleventh Circuit,” Scott spokeswoman Lauren Schenone said in a statement.
Contact Jessica Palombo at 904-358-6315, jpalombo@wjct.org or on Twitter at @JessicaPubRadio.
