vote early by mail faq
Arizona Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Permanent Early Vote List (PEVL)? How is this different from jut voting by mail?
A: The PEVL allows registered to voters to sign up to permanently receive early ballots for every scheduled primary, general, and special election in their district. This eliminates the need for you to request a ballot for every election cycle.
Q: Can anyone sign up to be on the PEVL?
A: Yes. Any registered voter is eligible to sign up for the PEVL.
Q: How can I check and see if I am on the PEVL?
A. Your county recorder’s office can check and verify your voter registration and your PEVL status. A list of their contact information is available here: http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm
Q: I have moved since I signed up for the PEVL, how can I make sure I still receive my ballot?
A. If you updated your voter registration when you moved your PEVL registration would have been updated as well. If you have not updated your voter registration or want to verify what the county has on file visit http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm
Q: I am living outside of Arizona temporarily (at college, in the military, studying abroad), can I sign up for PEVL?
No. In order to be on the Permanent Early Voter List you must receive mail in the same county that you are registered in. But, you can fill out a Vote by Mail request that will apply only to the upcoming Primary and/or General elections. To sign up to vote by mail please contact your county recorder: http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm
Q: I am a registered Independent. How will the county know which primary ballot to send me?
A. The county recorder will contact you either by mail or by phone to determine which party ballot you would like to receive for the primary. If you would like to tell the county which ballot you prefer to receive you can find their contact information here: http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm
Q. When will I receive my ballot?
A. Primary ballots will begin mailing on July 29 and will continue, daily, until 11 days before the election (August 13). General ballots will begin mailing on October 7 and will continue through October 22.
Please allow at least one week from the date you mailed your request to receive your ballot. If you have not received your ballot after 7 days, please call your county recorder’s office – find their contact information at: http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm
Q: What kind of pen can I use to complete my ballot?
A: If possible, use a regular black pen to fill out your ballot. DO NOT use any sort of marker, Sharpie, pencil, or crayon.
Q: What do I do if I make a mistake on my ballot?
A: If you make a mistake or otherwise stain or mismark your ballot you can put it in the envelope provided and check the box on the outside of the ballot that indicates the ballot is “spoiled”. Mail it back and the county will mail you a new ballot.
If you lose your ballot you will need to go to an early voting location or a polling location on Election Day (November 2, 2010) and ask to vote a “provisional ballot”. Election officials will verify that you have only cast one ballot and your votes will count.
Q: Where can I find information on the ballot propositions?
A: The Arizona Secretary of State publishes a Publicity Pamphlet and that is mailed to every registered voter in September. You will also be able to find a copy of the pamphlet on www.azsos.gov starting in August. The pamphlet will include detailed descriptions of each initiative and arguments for and against each one.
Q: Do I need to pay for postage to return my ballot?
No. The postage is paid already, by your county recorder’s office.
Q: Why do I have to sign the outside of my ballot envelope?
A: Voting by mail is actually one of the most secure methods of voting. You must sign the ballot envelope because the county recorder compares your signature to the one on record from your voter registration form. This protects against voter fraud and ensures your ballot is counted accurately.
Q: What is the deadline for mailing back my ballot?
A: We recommend every voter mail their early ballot back by Wednesday, October 27 to ensure your ballot is received by Election Day. After October 27 you can drop off your ballot at your county recorder’s office (list is available here: http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm) or on Election Day, November 2, you can drop your signed, sealed ballot at any polling place.
Q: I still have more questions – what do I do?
You should call your county recorder – find their contact information here: http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm
