ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office had implemented a Statewide Vote-by-Mail (VBM) Written Request Form before the April 17 deadline to comply with new statutes.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
According to a news release, the initiative aims to simplify the process for voters across the state, , ensuring that they have uniform access to request mail-in ballots for upcoming elections.
On Wednesday, Orange County Supervisor of Election Glen Gilzean announced that the new DS-DE 160 form is available both online and in the front office.
Read: DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ impeachment trial: Senate dismisses both charges
Starting April 17, written requests for VBM ballots must be made using this Statewide Vote-by-Mail (VBM) Request Form.
“As we implement the new Statewide Vote-by-Mail Written Request Form, we’re not just complying with statutes; we’re reaffirming our dedication to making voting more accessible and transparent for every resident of Orange County,” Gilzean said.
Read: ‘This is not goodbye’: Orlando winery must relocate after 12 years
Requests must be made by the voter or, if designated by the voter, a member of the voter’s immediate family or the voter’s legal guardian, the release stated.
Candidates, campaigns, and community and voting advocacy organizations will no longer be able to create their own forms for VBM ballot written requests instead this standardized approach ensures consistency in the voting process.
If a Vote-By-Mail ballot written request is received after April 17, 2024, the Elections Office will reply via mail with a letter to the voter and the new form included for them to complete.
Read: SEE: Rocket club accidentally starts 50-acre brush fire in ‘The Compound’ in Palm Bay
Orange County Voters will have several ways to request a vote by mail (VBM) ballot:
Online through the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website by CLICKING HERE.
Call the office at 407-836-VOTE
Download the new Statewide form from HERE, filling it out, and returning it in person or via email.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.