Absentee Ballots for the November 3rd Election - Update as of 10/7/2020

The Town Clerk's Office is being inundated with calls/emails regarding Absentee Ballots/Applications for the November 3rd Election. We are doing our very best to keep up with responses, but we need to devote as much time as possible right now to the issuing/receiving process of an unprecedented number of Absentee Ballots. In an effort to reduce the number of calls/emails, please see below for frequently asked questions and answers:

1.) If I request an Absentee Ballot, but do not return it to the Town Clerk's Office, can I choose to vote in person at my polling location? Yes, simply discard of your Absentee Ballot.

2.) How come my neighbors/family/etc. have received their ballots and I have not? Applications received through 10/2 were processed and ballots were mailed on 10/2 (nearly 6,000). Please give it seven (7) days until you reach out to our office inquiring about the whereabouts of your ballot. Applications received after 10/2 will be processed and ballots will be mailed within 48 hours of receipt. Please give it seven (7) days from this point before contacting our office about the whereabouts of your ballot. There is a process for requesting a second ballot, and we do not want to rush into this if your ballot is in fact correctly in route to you.

Also, you would not have been automatically mailed a ballot. We only mailed ballots to those that completed and submitted an application for the 11/3 Election. If you voted Absentee for the 8/11 Primary, this does not mean you will automatically be mailed a ballot for the 11/3 Election. If you used the application from the 8/11 Primary to request a ballot for the 11/3 Election, our office notified you via email or mail informing you that this application is not acceptable and you must submit an application for the 11/3 Election. 

3.) If I drop off my application and/or ballot in the lock-box at Town Hall, when will it be received by the Town Clerk's Office? Town Clerk Staff checks and empties both the Election lock-box and Town lock-box multiple times each day. If you drop off over the weekend, the lock-boxes are checked first thing Monday morning. 

4.) If I drop off a ballot for a relative/friend/etc. in the Election lock-box, do I need to fill in the box on the "C" envelope? No, the lock-box is being considered the same as the mail as a form of return.

5.) If I tear envelope "B" or "C" in the process of opening my packet, is this okay? Yes, simply tape the envelope (s).

6.) What is the cut-off date for returning my absentee ballot? Your ballot must be returned by Election day, 11/3, in order for your ballot to be counted. It can mailed in by this day or dropped off in the Election lock-box up until 8 PM on this day. Town Clerk Staff will empty the lock-box one last time at 8 PM on Election Day.

7.) Can I drop off my ballot at my polling location on Election Day? No, you must drop it off in the Election lock-box at Town Hall by 8 PM.

8.) Can I fax or email my application for an Absentee Ballot? Yes, this will allow the Town Clerk's Office to issue you a ballot, but we must receive the original signed application in the mail by Election Day in order for your ballot to be counted.

**Reminder** Be sure to sign, date and seal envelope "B" after placing your ballot in it. Then, be sure to place the "B" envelope into the "C" envelope before returning it via the mail or lock-box. THESE STEPS ARE CRUCIAL IN ENSURING THAT YOUR BALLOT IS COUNTED. 

If you still have questions, please email the Town Clerk at ebutler@simsbury-ct.gov. This is the preferred method of communication regarding Absentee Ballots at this time. 

Please note that the Polls will be open on Election Day from 6 AM to 8 PM for you to cast your vote in person. You are not required to vote Absentee; it is simply an option.

If you have questions/concerns about your voter information included on the application mailed to you by the Secretary of the State, please contact the Registrar of Voters Office at (860) 658-3267 or (860) 658-3269.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Stay well! 

-Town Clerk Staff