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Voter raises alarm about absentee‑ballot notice; election staff say procedure in place
Summary
A Lincoln County voter told commissioners a notice urging absentee voters to 'sign their ballots' risked invalidation; county election staff said the state notice existed, two signed ballots were spoiled and reissued, and procedures and a Secretary of State PSA were expected to protect voters' secrecy and count intent.
At the May 20 meeting, registered voter Anne German told commissioners she received reports that the county’s election office sent an absentee‑ballot notice that instructed voters to sign their ballots, which she said risked rejection and voter confusion.
"If they signed their ballot the way they were told to do by your department...those ballots are probably going to be rejected," Anne German said, urging the commissioners to proactively notify voters. She described multiple calls from concerned residents and asked what the county planned to do to assure voters their ballots would be counted and their secrecy protected.
County election staff member Melanie responded during the public‑comment period. "No, it will not void out anybody's ballots," she said, adding that a notice originated from the state and that county staff had allowed two voters with signed ballots to spoil and reissue ballots. Melanie said the county planned to post a notice and expected a public service announcement from the Secretary of State's office. She also said the resolution board can duplicate ballots when intent is clear so ballots can be tabulated while protecting voter secrecy.
The exchange left commissioners with an understanding that staff would post notices and follow state guidance; no formal action (motion or vote) was recorded on the floor regarding further election procedures during this meeting.
