Oct. 27 Last Recommended Day to Mail Back Early Ballots

PHOENIX – Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is encouraging voters who still have a ballot-by-mail for the General Election to mail it back no later than Tuesday, Oct. 27, to help ensure election officials receive the voted ballots back by Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

“The General Election is well underway, and we have seen a historic number of ballots-by-mail already returned,” Hobbs said. “Because ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, after Oct. 27, we recommend that voters find a place to drop-off their ballots.”

All Arizona ballots-by-mail come with a postage-paid return envelope. There is no need to add more postage. After sealing a ballot in the return envelope, voters must remember to sign and date the envelope, and include a phone number election officials can use to contact the voter if needed. Voters can also return their voted ballot to their County Recorder’s Office, any official drop-box or drop-off location, or any voting location in their county.

The early voting period runs until Friday, Oct. 30, and, after that, emergency voting options are available in some counties. Due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends early voting and voting by mail when possible. If voting in-person, voters should remember to:

• wear a mask
• bring a pen
• follow social distancing guidelines
• wash or sanitize hands before and after voting.

Information about what election officials are doing to help protect voters and poll workers in the state, along with the 2020 AZVoteSafe Guide is available at Arizona.Vote.

“As Election Day nears, it’s important for voters to make a plan to help maintain a safe and secure election. This is especially true because Arizonans have several options for making their voices heard” Hobbs said. “To help with that, we have posted a number of voter resources guides online at Arizona.Vote.”

Early ballots can be returned to any official drop box, County Recorder’s Office or voting location in a voter’s county. Ballot drop boxes are located throughout the state. To find drop box and voting locations, hours of operation and other trusted information about the election, visit Arizona.Vote.

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