ANCHORAGE MUNICIPAL CLERK S OFFICE

Transcription

1 ANCHORAGE MUNICIPAL CLERK S OFFICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR VOTE BY MAIL APRIL 3, 2018 REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION

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3 Table of Contents Vote by Mail Elections... 1 What is vote by mail?... 1 Are vote by mail elections secure?... 1 Regular Municipal Election When is the 2018 Municipal election?... 2 Who is eligible to vote in Anchorage elections?... 2 How do I vote in the April 2018 Regular Municipal Election?... 2 Can I vote in person at a polling location?... 2 How do I get help with voting questions?... 3 Ballots... 4 When will ballots be mailed?... 4 What will I receive in the ballot package?... 4 What if I lose my ballot or do not receive my ballot package in the mail?... 4 What can I do to make sure that I receive the correct ballot in the mail at my current mailing address?... 4 What do I do if I move after the 30-day registration deadline?... 5 I will be traveling during the election. How will I get my ballot?... 5 What if I am out of the country and I will not be able to receive my ballot in time to return my ballot?... 5 Can I vote by fax or by ?... 5 How do I mark my ballot?... 6 What if I make a mistake while marking my ballot?... 6 How do I return my ballot?... 6 Accessible Vote Centers... 7 What is an Accessible Vote Center?... 7 Where are the Accessible Vote Centers located and what hours will they be open?... 7 What services can I receive at an Accessible Vote Center?... 8 How do I return the ballot I receive in the mail at an Accessible Vote Center?... 8 May I vote at an Accessible Vote Center?... 9 What identification do I need to obtain a ballot at an Accessible Vote Center?... 9 Can I pick a ballot up at an Accessible Vote Center to take home, mark, and return it later?... 9

4 Secure Ballot Drop Boxes What is a secure ballot drop box? Where will the secure ballot drop boxes be located? When will secure ballot drop boxes be open? Voter Registration How do I register to vote in Alaska? When do I register to vote to participate in an election? How old must I be to register to vote? What do I do if my residence address has changed? How do I cancel my voter registration in Alaska? History of Vote by Mail in Anchorage Why is Anchorage changing to vote by mail elections? How was the decision to vote by mail made?... 13

5 Vote by Mail Elections What is vote by mail? Vote by Mail is simply an alternative ballot delivery system where ballots are mailed to eligible voters. Vote by Mail systems contrast to poll-based or precinct-based voting, where ballots are distributed at various polling locations. In the Anchorage Vote by Mail system, voters will have the option of returning their mailed ballots in several ways to a central location for counting: Voters may return their ballots by placing them in a secure drop box; Voters may return their ballots to an accessible vote center; or Voters may return their ballot by mail through the USPS using first class postage. Are vote by mail elections secure? Vote by mail elections are secure. The Municipal Clerk s Office takes election security seriously and helps to keep elections secure by: Not connecting vote by mail equipment to the Internet. Checking that all signatures match those in State of Alaska voter records. Emptying ballot drop boxes often. Training workers to securely handle voting materials. Locking up voting materials. Voters can also help to keep elections secure by: Keeping their ballots safe. Tearing ballots in half before throwing them away if not voting. Following the instructions on the ballot and envelope. Signing the return envelope. Responding to letters and phone calls from election officials. Reporting concerns to election officials right away. 1

6 Regular Municipal Election 2018 When is the 2018 Municipal election? The Regular Municipal Election is Tuesday, April 3, Who is eligible to vote in Anchorage elections? To vote in Anchorage elections, you must be: Qualified to vote in State of Alaska elections; A resident of the Municipality of Anchorage for at least 30 days before an election You also must be registered to vote at least 30 days before the election. To register visit the State of Alaska Division of Elections website at call VOTE (8683), or go to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100. How do I vote in the April 2018 Regular Municipal Election? In the April 2018 Regular Municipal Election, voters will vote by mail. Your ballot package will be mailed to you about three weeks before Election Day, giving you time to carefully research the ballot questions, mark the ballot, and return it in time for the ballot to be counted. You may return your ballot to a secure drop box, an Accessible Vote Center, or mail it with first class postage. Additional instructions about how to vote by mail will be included in the ballot package. Can I vote in person at a polling location? There will not be polling locations in a vote by mail election. But, you may vote at an Accessible Vote Center by: Dropping off your ballot return envelope containing your marked ballot. Taking your unmarked ballot package to an Accessible Vote Center and marking your ballot in a voting booth. 2

7 Requesting a replacement ballot to mark in a voting booth if you lose or did not receive your mailed ballot. Marked ballots are placed in a ballot return envelope and a secure ballot box for processing. How do I get help with voting questions? You may get help with voting questions by: Visiting the Elections website at muni.org/elections Calling the Voter Hotline at VOTE (8683); Visiting the MOA Election Center at 619 E Ship Creek Ave at Entrance D on the east side of the building; or Visiting an Accessible Vote Center. 3

8 Ballots When will ballots be mailed? Ballot packages will be mailed three weeks before Election Day. What will I receive in the ballot package? Every ballot package will include: An official ballot, A security envelope, Instructions, and A ballot return envelope. What if I lose my ballot or do not receive my ballot package in the mail? If you lose or do not receive your ballot package in the mail, call the Voter Hotline at VOTE (8683) to request a replacement ballot. You may also visit an Accessible Vote Center for a replacement ballot. You must have proper identification to get a replacement ballot. What can I do to make sure that I receive the correct ballot in the mail at my current mailing address? To make sure you receive the correct ballot at your current mailing address, check your voter registration information at the State of Alaska Division of Elections website at call VOTE (8683), or go to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100. To update your voter registration information, visit the State of Alaska Division of Elections at call VOTE (8683), or go to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite

9 What do I do if I move after the 30-day registration deadline? If you move after the 30-day deadline, call the Voter Hotline at VOTE (8683) and you will be given instructions to go to an Accessible Vote Center to request a ballot. You will be required to vote a provisional or questioned ballot so election officials can capture your new address to update the voter registration database. I will be traveling during the election. How will I get my ballot? Ballot packages will be mailed three weeks before Election Day. If you want to receive your ballot package at a temporary mailing address rather than your regular mailing address, complete the Absentee by Mail Application on the Municipal Elections website at muni.org/2018application. Or call the Voter Hotline at VOTE (8683) for more information. What if I am out of the country and I will not be able to receive my ballot in time to return my ballot? Ballot packages will be mailed three weeks before Election Day. If you will be out of the country and you will not be able to receive your mail in time to return your ballot and you are able to send and receive a fax or complete an application to vote by or an application to vote by fax. Return the application as soon as possible. Or call the Voter Hotline at VOTE (8683) for more information. Can I vote by fax or by ? You must apply to vote by fax or . Complete an Application to vote by or an Application to vote by fax. The applications may be found at muni.org/elections and clicking on Voting Information. Return your application to the MOA Elections by 5:00 p.m. AKDT on March 27, Return instructions are included with the application. 5

10 How do I mark my ballot? Mark your ballot using a black or blue pen, completely filling in the oval beside the selection of your choice. Instructions for marking your ballot are shown on the ballot. What if I make a mistake while marking my ballot? The ballot contains instructions about how to correct mistakes while marking your ballot. If you make an error on your selection, strike through the oval and the name or answer to indicate you do not want to vote for that candidate or proportion. Race Doe, John Smith, Mary Valid vote for Mary Smith. Proposition Yes Valid vote yes on Prop X. No Or call the Voter Hotline at VOTE (8683) for more information. How do I return my ballot? You may choose one of three methods for returning your ballot. Return your ballot return envelope with first class postage to the US Post Office. Or save postage and: Place your ballot return envelope in a secure ballot drop box. Take your ballot return envelope to an Accessible Vote Center. 6

11 Accessible Vote Centers What is an Accessible Vote Center? An Accessible Vote Center is a location where you can get voter services. Accessible for the purpose of Municipal Elections means the building is generally accessible to all and that all voters can receive voting assistance. The Municipality of Anchorage is not able to provide accessible voting equipment. Where are the Accessible Vote Centers located and what hours will they be open? Accessible Vote Center locations and hours are: Anchorage City Hall 632 West 6 th Avenue, Room #155 All Municipal ballots will be available at this location. Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Election Day, April 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ZJ Loussac Library 3600 Denali Street, First Floor All Municipal ballots will be available at this location. Monday, March 26 through Saturday, March 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 1, from Noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Election Day, April 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eagle River Town Center Same building as the Library Business Boulevard, Eagle River Only Chugiak-Eagle River ballots will be available at this location. Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Election Day, April 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7

12 MOA Election Center 619 East Ship Creek Ave, Suite 100 at Door D on the east side of the building All Municipal ballots will be available at this location. Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Election Day, April 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. O Malley s on the Green 3651 O Malley Road All Municipal ballots will be available at this location. Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, April 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, April 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. View a map of Accessible Vote Center locations by visiting muni.org/elections/avc What services can I receive at an Accessible Vote Center? At an Accessible Vote Center you may: Return your mail ballot. Replace a lost or damaged ballot. Receive a ballot package if you did not receive one in the mail. Receive voting assistance. Access help for other voter questions. Register to vote. Vote a questioned or provisional ballot. How do I return the ballot I receive in the mail at an Accessible Vote Center? You have two options for returning your ballot to an Accessible Vote Center: You may drop off your ballot return envelope containing your marked ballot; or You may take your unmarked ballot package to an Accessible Vote Center and mark your ballot in a voting booth. 8

13 May I vote at an Accessible Vote Center? Yes, you may vote at an Accessible Vote Center by: Dropping off your ballot return envelope containing your marked ballot. Taking your unmarked ballot package to an Accessible Vote Center and marking your ballot in a voting booth. Requesting a replacement ballot to mark in a voting booth if you lose or did not receive your mailed ballot. Marked ballots are placed in a ballot return envelope and a secure ballot box for processing. What identification do I need to obtain a ballot at an Accessible Vote Center? Acceptable forms of identification include: Signed voter card Alaska driver s license Alaska ID Military ID Passport Hunting or fishing license Other current or valid photo identification Other acceptable identification in state elections. Can I pick a ballot up at an Accessible Vote Center to take home, mark, and return it later? No, you must mark your ballot and place it into a ballot box at the Accessible Vote Center. 9

14 Secure Ballot Drop Boxes What is a secure ballot drop box? A ballot drop box is a secure container where voters may place their return envelope containing their marked ballots. Where will the secure ballot drop boxes be located? Secure ballot drop boxes will be located at the following locations: Loussac Library, 3600 Denali Street Anchorage School District Education Center, 5530 East Northern Lights Boulevard Bartlett High School, 1101 Golden Bear Drive Clark Middle School, 150 Bragaw Street Dimond High School, 2909 West 88 th Avenue Fairview Community Recreation Center, 1121 East 10 th Avenue Service High School, 5577 Abbott Road South Anchorage High School, Elmore Road Spenard Community Recreation Center, 2020 West 48 th Avenue UAA Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive Eagle River Town Center, Business Boulevard Girdwood Community Center, 250 Egloff Drive You can view a map showing the secure ballot drop box locations by visiting muni.org/elections/dropbox When will secure ballot drop boxes be open? Drop boxes will open 24/7 about 3 weeks before Election Day. Drop boxes will close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, April 3,

15 Voter Registration How do I register to vote in Alaska? Register to vote with the State of Alaska Division of Elections by visiting calling VOTE (8683), or going to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100. When do I register to vote to participate in an election? You must register to vote 30 days before an election. Register to vote with the State of Alaska Division of Elections by visiting calling VOTE (8683), or going to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100. How old must I be to register to vote? If you are under 18 years of age, you may register to vote anytime in the 90-day period before your 18th birthday. Persons 18 or older may register at any time. Register to vote with the State of Alaska Division of Elections by visiting calling VOTE (8683), or going to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100. What do I do if my residence address has changed? Update your registration with the State of Alaska Division of Elections as soon as possible by visiting calling VOTE (8683), or going to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100. If your residence address changes less than 30 days before an election, you will be required to vote a provisional or questioned ballot so election officials can capture your new address to update the voter registration database. 11

16 How do I cancel my voter registration in Alaska? Cancel your voter registration by visiting the State of Alaska Division of Elections website at elections.alaska.gov/core/cancelyouralaskavoterregistration.php by calling VOTE (8683); or by going to the State of Alaska Region ll Elections Office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100 for more information. 12

17 History of Vote by Mail in Anchorage Why is Anchorage changing to vote by mail elections? The Municipal Clerk s Office believes voting is important because it impacts citizens quality of life. Voters make decisions on community resources, taxes and public safety, to name a few. Voting by mail makes it easy and convenient for more voters to cast a ballot. One reason Anchorage is changing to vote by mail elections is to boost voter turnout. Three states and dozens of local communities have changed to vote by mail elections. Voter turnout has markedly increased in most of those jurisdictions. How was the decision to vote by mail made? The Anchorage Assembly asked the Municipal Clerk s Office to explore ways to increase the number of citizens voting. The research favored changing to vote by mail elections. The Assembly wanted to know what the public thought about voting by mail. The Municipal Clerk s Office asked a group of people from businesses, non-profits, and others interested in elections and voting issues to join a Stakeholder Group. After meeting a number of times to discuss voting methods, the group supported the vote by mail concept. On March 8, 2016, the Assembly introduced a change to municipal code to allow vote by mail and scheduled a public hearing. On March 22, 2016, the Assembly approved the change establishing voting by mail as the method of choice for Municipal elections after June 1,