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Elections office warns absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on March 3; staff express concern about mail delays
Summary
County elections staff told the board that for the March 3 special election absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on election night (not merely postmarked), raising concerns about snowbirds and mail delays; staff will email ballots and expedite mailings.
Elections staff told the Osceola County Board on Feb. 10 that absentee voting for a March 3 special election begins the next day and reiterated a rule change that requires absentee ballots to be received by 8:00 p.m. on election night rather than merely postmarked.
"The 17th is the last day that we can receive to have absentee ballots mailed and we have to have them back by 8:00 on March 3rd," the elections representative said, urging preparations for snowbirds who may not receive or return ballots in time via postal service. Staff said they will email ballots when possible and hand‑deliver batches to the post office to help ensure timely delivery.
The office also noted that sample ballots and a voter‑registration notice will appear in the local paper in the coming week.
Why this matters: County elections officials said the changed receipt requirement shortens the window for ballot returns and could affect absentee voters living outside the county for part of the season. Staff asked the board to note the operational risks and to consider any legislative remedies if the board wishes to address mail‑service limitations in future elections.
Next steps: Elections staff will proceed with absentee voting operations for the March 3 special election and monitor returns; no board action was taken at the Feb. 10 meeting.
