Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean announced the office has implemented the new Statewide Vote-by-Mail (VBM) Written Request Form ahead of the Wednesday, April 17, deadline in a move to comply with new statutes while streamlining and enhancing uniformity to voting processes.
Ahead of the required implementation date, the Orange County Elections office had the new DS-DE 160 form available both online and in the front office on Friday, April 12. This initiative aims to simplify the process for voters across the state, ensuring that they have uniform access to request mail-in ballots for upcoming elections. Starting April 17, written requests for VBM ballots must be made using this Statewide Vote-by-Mail (VBM) Request Form.
“As we implement the new Statewide Vote-by-Mail Written Request Form, we’re not just complying with statutes; we’re reaffirming our dedication to making voting more accessible and transparent for every resident of Orange County,” said Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean.
Orange County Voters can still choose the method most convenient for them with several ways to request a vote by mail (VBM) ballot: Online through the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website at ocfelections.gov/vote-by-mail, by calling the office at 407-836-VOTE, or by downloading the new Statewide form from the same page on our website, filling it out, and returning it in person or via email.
Requests must be made by the voter or, if designated by the voter, a member of the voter’s immediate family or the voter’s legal guardian.
Candidates, campaigns, and community and voting advocacy organizations should pay attention to this change as they will no longer be able to create their own forms for VBM ballot written requests. This standardized approach ensures consistency and integrity in the request process, further enhancing the fairness and transparency of elections in Florida.
In the event a Vote-By-Mail ballot written request is received after April 17, the Elections Office will reply via mail with a letter to the voter and the new form included for them to complete.
For more information on the new Statewide Vote-by-Mail Request Form and how to request a VBM ballot, visit ocfelections.gov.
The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.
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