Photo: Elements5 via Unsplash.
Do you always sign things exactly the same way? I myself have a couple different signatures and I know that using the right one in certain situations is vital. On the tax forms, for example. My signature for tax purposes is actually different from the one I use to vote. Long story.
In the ballot booth, the wrong signature can mean your ballot will not be counted.
On Tuesday I will be trying my hand at “ballot curing” to help voters who have made some small mistake according to their state’s laws.
What is ballot curing? VoteAmerica says: “Ballot curing is the process of fixing any problems with your absentee or mail ballot to ensure that your vote is counted. You will have very little time to fix issues with your ballot, so act quickly.
“If your ballot was rejected and it’s after Election Day, you will need to act quickly. In most cases you will need to appear in person at your local election office with photo ID within 2-3 days of Election Day.
“Use your state’s online ballot tracking tool to check whether your ballot has been received and counted. If your state does not have an online tool, call your local election office and ask.
“If your absentee ballot was rejected and it’s before Election Day, you can probably still vote in person on Election Day at your polling place. Your local election office can provide more information about the rules around voting in person after your ballot was rejected.”
Now, to give you an example of a state’s particular rules, here’s what VoteAmerica says about Michigan’s rules:
“Your ballot will be rejected if you forget to sign it or if your signature does not match the one on file for you. You must make corrections by 5:00 pm on the third day after Election Day for your vote to count.
“Michigan laws says, ‘The clerk must notify the elector by telephone, email, or text message, if available.’
“Michigan law says, ‘The elector must be permitted an opportunity to cure the deficiency as provided under section 766a until 5 p.m. on the third day following the election.’ “
I have signed up with my candidate’s campaign for four hours of ballot curing, with a break in the middle.
For the first half hour, I will receive training and be assigned to a state. Then I will get contact information for people who have expressed a concern that they made a mistake, and I will refer them to the right people to help them fix it as allowed by their state.
I hate doing “phone banking” as a rule, but I think this is something people will actually be grateful for.
Check your state’s rules at VoteAmerica, here, and share the site with friends who need it. And may the best human win!
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
This is great information! Thanks for your volunteering. Every vote counts.
What a year!
Great that you are doing this! PA has wacky rules and to my knowledge all Election Day assignments are for 14 hours, which is why I don’t volunteer. I think you’re talking about something different. Hats off to you!
Going to start in an hour. Nervous!
Yes, may the best human win!
Someone with humanity.
I too thought about my signature not matching! I sign my paintings different than my normal signature, hopefully it matches on my ballot, too important!
Just spent four hours on this stuff. Can testify that anxiety about calling people you don’t know through complicated tech systems is the best way to cure anxiety about election outcomes!
Wanted to vote but can’t this year