Duval Voters: Update Signatures for Mail-In Ballots

JACKSONVILLE – Duval County voters should ensure their signatures on file with the Supervisor of Elections are up-to-date, especially those planning to vote by mail in the Nov. 3 General Election. Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland issued the reminder.

Handwriting can change over time. A voter's signature on their mail-in ballot must match the one on record to ensure the ballot is counted. This signature verification process is key to maintaining the integrity of vote-by-mail ballots.

Staff and Canvassing Board members for the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office receive state-certified signature verification training. This training equips them to detect forgeries and inconsistencies, validating that mail-in ballots are legitimately signed by the voter.

The office follows strict chain-of-custody procedures for all ballots, particularly those returned by mail. Returned mail-in ballots remain sealed until the signature is validated. An automated sorter captures a digital image of the signature on the ballot, which trained Duval County employees then manually verify.

If signatures match, the mail-in ballot is opened and counted. If a discrepancy is found, the office mails a mail-in cure affidavit form to the voter. This form provides instructions on resolving the signature mismatch. Voters must submit the completed form and required identification by 5 p.m. on the second day after the election.

The Canvassing Board holds the final authority to decide on mail-in ballot signature discrepancies and whether to accept or reject a ballot after the cure period has passed.

Voters can update their signature before the upcoming election. The update must reach the Supervisor of Elections office before the voter returns their mail-in ballot. The Florida Voter Registration Application, which can be used for signature updates, is available at duvalelections.gov and at any public library. Submit applications in person or by mail.

For more information or to update a signature, visit duvalelections.gov or call the Supervisor of Elections office at 904-255-VOTE (8683).