The Basic Signature Verification Process Described by the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC):
The EAC's 2023 Election Guidelines 1 describes the basic signature verification process - conducted in three (3) tiers of review as follows:
A tiered system of review ensures that a voter’s signature is not rejected on a single pass. By incorporating multiple layers of review, you create a system that promotes transparency and integrity of the process.
The outline below illustrates how this works whether or not you are using signature verification software. It does not consider states that require signature review to be performed by the canvassing board but assumes all ballots are reviewed at least once.
ASV/Tier 1 Review Using signature verification software can be considered the first tier in the review process. Essentially, the software is looking for the image from the envelope and the image from the voter registration system to be a near-perfect match. Most ASV software can be set at different tolerances, meaning you can vary how precise you want the images to match. Best practice is to not allow much variance between the envelope signature and the voter registration signature during this first tier of review. In the absence of ASV software, a human can still perform this first tier of review. The process is the same. They are looking for an almost perfect match. Everything else is rejected.
Tier 2 Review This second tier of review, on ballots that did not match in the Tier 1 review, is always performed by human inspection. This time, reviewers are taking a closer look at the source image and the reference image and using the techniques they were given in training to make a decision about whether or not to accept or reject the signature. While more time consuming than the first-tier review, Tier 2 review should not require more than 30 seconds per signature.
Tier 3 Review This final tier of review, for ballots that did not match in either Tier 1 or Tier 2, requires much closer inspection and often includes looking deeper into the voter record for older signatures or other sources of evidence. Ideally, that includes signatures on file from previous registration updates or mail ballot request forms. Because the signature will be in a final rejection status after this tier of review (unless the voter meets the criteria for curing the discrepancy) it is important to have a bipartisan team make the decision together. This level of review is a bit more painstaking and can take up to 3 minutes per signature.
How Do States Verify Signatures and other Voter ID on Mailed (Absentee) Ballots? Do All States Compare the Signature on the Ballot Envelope to the Voter's Signature in the Voter File?
When a voter votes outside of a polling place, a paper ballot is usually mailed out to the voter with two or three envelopes- an inner envelope that holds the voted ballot; an affidavit envelope for the voter to provide the required voter identification, and an outer return envelope. In some states, the affidavit envelope is the outer envelope, so that there are only two envelopes. (Overseas, military and some disabled voters may vote electronically, without submitting a paper ballot, which is not covered in this article)
The inner envelope will be used to hold the voted ballot and will not contain any identifying information of the voter. This is intended to preserve the secrecy of the voter's choices on their ballot. The affidavit envelope contains an affidavit and/or spaces for the voter to provide the information required by the state to prove the voter's identity, as well as the voter's signature. State's have varying methods for verifying the information on the outer envelope before accepting the inner envelope and ballot to be tabulated and counted.
Alabama
Alabama only allows absentee voting if the voter meets one of the criteria. Alabama also requires the signature of the voter to be signed by two witnesses or be notarized. 2 If those criteria are met, the ballot is accepted without comparing the voter's signature to the voter registration.
Alaska
Alaska voters must sign their outer envelope, and provide either their voter number, Alaska driver's license number, their full date of birth or the last 4 digits of their social security number. The envelope must also be signed by a witness over the age of 18 or an authorized official. 3 Like Alabama, the witness requirement is used instead of signature verification.
Arizona
In Arizona, absentee ballot return envelopes must be signed by the voter who signs an affidavit on the outer envelope under penalty of perjury.
Before tabulating the ballot, the signature on the affidavit envelope is compared to signatures on file for the voter. Examples of signatures come from documents including MVD records, voter registration forms, or previous early ballots. When signatures match, the ballot will be counted. If election officials have questions about the signature, they contact the voter to confirm the validity of the signature. Sometimes the voter may have to provide additional information to verify their signature. A.R.S. § 16-552.4
According to the Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission, "If the signature is a match, the ballot proceeds to the Citizens Board who then prepare the unopened ballots for tabulation. The Citizens Boards are made up of two board members of different political party affiliations. They confirm that the County Recorder verified the voter's signature and then they remove the ballot from the envelope, taking special care to ensure the privacy of the voters' ballot. The ballots are then transmitted to the tabulation room. If the county is unable to verify the signature, the county will attempt to contact the voter. Voters have until 5:00 p.m. on the 5th business day after a federal primary or general election to confirm/correct their signature."5
Arkansas
Arkansas does not allow "no excuse" absentee voting.
According to the Arkansas Secretary of State's office, to be qualified to vote an absentee ballot, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You will be unavoidably absent from your polling site on election day, OR
- You will be unable to attend your polling site on election day due to illness or physical disability, OR
- You are a member of the Uniformed Services, merchant marines or the spouse or a dependant family member and are away from your polling location due to the member’s active duty status, OR
- A U.S. citizen whose residence is in Arkansas but is temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the United States. 6
The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners provide the following regarding the signature verification on their Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.arkansas.gov/sbec/faqs/:
Q: How can an election clerk or county election commissioner determine if a signature or other information on an absentee ballot application matches the signature or other information on the voter statement?
A: Election clerks and county election commissioners must use their best judgment and any other documents that might be available to them when attempting to determine if an absentee voter’s signatures match.
If any absentee election clerk believes that any of the information (signature, address, date of birth) on an absentee voter’s absentee application does not match the information on the absentee voter’s voter statement, the absentee voter’s absentee Return Envelope with all its contents should be set aside for review by the county election commission.
The county election commission must compare the questioned application and voter statement and ultimately determine whether the information compares as to name, address, date of birth, and signature, and thus, whether or not the vote will be counted. [A.C.A. § 7-5-416(b)(1)(F)]
California
California performs signature verification on mailed in ballots, and the review process is spelled out in regulation7, as follows:
The elections official must compare the signature on a voted vote-by-mail envelope and a voted provisional ballot envelope to the voter’s signature(s) in the voter’s registration record prior to counting a ballot. The comparison of a signature shall begin with the basic presumption that the signature on the petition or ballot envelope is the voter’s signature. Exact matches are not required for an elections official to confirm a valid signature. Similar characteristics between a signature being compared and any signature in the voter’s registration record are sufficient to determine a signature is valid. In comparing signatures, elections officials may not review or consider a voter’s party preference, race, or ethnicity. In comparing the signatures, the elections official may consider the following characteristics when visually comparing a signature to determine whether the signatures are from the same signer:
Slant of the signature; Signature is printed or in cursive; Size, proportions, or scale; Individual characteristics, such as how the “t’s” are crossed, “i’s” are dotted, or loops are made on the letters f, g, j, y, or z.; Spacing between the letters within the first and/or last name and between first and last name; Line direction; Letter formations. Proportion or ratio of the letters in the signature. Initial strokes and connecting strokes of the signature. Similar endings such as an abrupt end, a long tail, or loop back around. Speed of the writing. Presence or absence of pen lifts. Misspelled names.
In comparing signatures of vote-by-mail identification envelopes and provisional ballot envelopes, elections officials shall consider as explanations for the following discrepancies in signatures:
Evidence of trembling or shaking in a signature could be health-related or the result of aging.
The voter may have used a diminutive of their full legal name, including, but not limited to the use of initials, or the rearrangement of components of their full legal name, such as a reversal of first and last names, use of a middle name in place of a first name, or omitting a second last name.
The voter’s signature style may have changed over time.
The signature on the vote-by-mail identification envelope or provisional ballot envelope may have been written in haste.
A signature in the voter’s registration file may have been written with a stylus pen or other electronic signature tool that may result in a thick or fuzzy quality.
The surface of the location where the signature was made may have been hard, soft, uneven, or unstable.
In addition to the characteristics listed in subdivisions (f) and (g), the elections official may also consider factors applicable to a particular voter, such as the age of the voter, the age of the signature(s) contained in the voter’s record, the possibility that the voter is disabled, the voter’s primary language, and the quality of any digitized signature(s) contained in the voter’s record.
Only a signature possessing multiple, significant, and obvious differing characteristics with all signatures in the voter’s registration record will be subject to additional review by the elections official.
A signature that the initial reviewer identifies as possessing multiple, significant, and obvious distinctive differing characteristics from the signature(s) in the voter’s registration record shall only be rejected if two different elections officials unanimously find beyond a reasonable doubt that the signature differs in multiple, significant, and obvious respects from all signatures in the voter’s registration record.
When evaluating signatures, elections officials may review using broad characteristics to evaluate an entire signature as a unit or they may narrow the scope of their examination to that of specific letters within a signature.
Colorado
Colorado utilizes all-mail ballot elections.
Colorado's Secretary of State provides the following outline of Colorado's verification process:
Identity Verification for Mail Ballot Voting. All returned mail ballots must include the voter’s signature on the outside of the envelope. When the ballot is received, those signatures are compared to signatures stored for each voter in the voter registration database (known as SCORE). The comparison is done using advanced signature verification software or trained election judges of multiple political affiliations, including Republicans, Democrats, and Unaffiliated voters. If the comparison finds a match, the ballot is counted. If a signature does not match those on file, it moves to a second level of review, where a bipartisan team of election judges reviews the signature. The bipartisan team determines whether the signature should be accepted or rejected, based on criteria implemented under Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler.ii A ballot rejected for a signature discrepancy may be fixed (“cured”) by the voter by returning a signed form and copy of an acceptable identification to the county clerk or using the Txt2Cure mobile phone system. County clerks are required to send all ballots rejected for signature discrepancy that have not been cured to the local district attorney for investigation.8
Connecticut
Connecticut does not have no-excuse absentee voting, The Secretary of State's website states that when an absentee ballot is issues, "a unique serial number is created for each ballot to ensure only the voter who requested it can vote with that ballot."
Further, "[w]hen the Town Clerk receives the ballot, they check that the serial number and barcode match the voter who returned the ballot, and then they secure the absentee ballot, still sealed in its envelope, until Election Day." 9
Delaware
Delaware's statutes do not require signature verification. Delaware Code, Chapter 15, Section 55, states:
§ 5514. Rejected ballots.
(a) No vote shall be accepted or counted if:
(1) The statement of the absentee voter that appears on the front of the ballot envelope is found to have been altered or is not signed; or
(2) The absentee voter is not a duly registered elector in this State; or
(3) The ballot envelope is open; or
(4) It is evident that the ballot envelope has been opened and resealed;
(5) It is evident that the ballot envelope has been tampered with or altered.10
Florida
Florida's Election Code, Section 101.65, provides, "A vote-by-mail ballot will be considered illegal and not be counted if the signature on the voter’s certificate does not match the signature on record. The signature on file at the time the supervisor of elections in the county in which your precinct is located receives your vote-by-mail ballot is the signature that will be used to verify your signature on the voter’s certificate. " 11
Florida has a process for rejected absentee ballots to be cured by a voter.
Georgia
Georgia's Code, GA Code § 21-2-386 (2022), provides:
The registrar or clerk shall then compare the number of the elector’s Georgia driver’s license number or state identification card issued pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 40 and date of birth entered on the absentee ballot envelope with the same information contained in the elector’s voter registration records. If the elector has affirmed on the envelope that he or she does not have a Georgia driver’s license or state identification card issued pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 40, the registrar or clerk shall compare the last four digits of the elector’s social security number and date of birth entered on the envelope with the same information contained in the elector’s voter registration records. The registrar or clerk shall also confirm that the elector signed the oath and the person assisting the elector, if any, signed the required oath. If the elector has signed the elector’s oath, the person assisting has signed the required oath, if applicable, and the identifying information entered on the absentee ballot envelope matches the same information contained in the elector’s voter registration record, the registrar or clerk shall so certify by signing or initialing his or her name below the voter’s oath. 12
Hawaii
Hawaii's Election Statutes, at §11-106 provides:
Deficient return identification envelopes. If:
(1) A return identification envelope is returned with an unsigned affirmation;
(2) The affirmation signature does not match a reference signature image; or
(3) A return identification envelope contains another condition that would not allow the counting of the ballot,
the clerk shall make an attempt to notify the voter by first class mail, telephone, or electronic mail to inform the voter of the procedure to correct the deficiency. The voter shall have five business days after the date of the election to cure the deficiency. The chief election officer may adopt rules regarding requirements and procedures for correcting deficient return identification envelopes. The counting of ballots and disclosure of subsequent election results may continue during the time period permitted to cure a deficiency under this section. The clerk's inability to contact voters under this section shall not be grounds for a contest for cause under section 11-172. This section shall apply to all return identification envelopes, including ballots utilizing the provisions of section 11-107 or chapter 15 or 15D. [L 2019, c 136, pt of §2; am L 2021, c 213, §21] 13
Idaho
(2) Upon receipt of an absent elector’s ballot, the county clerk of the county wherein such elector resides shall verify the authenticity of the affidavit, including verifying that the signature matches the signature from such elector’s voter registration,
The Idaho Secretary of State's Directive to election administrators provides:
Signature verification standard.
(1) A signature must be matched to the signature on file in the voter registration system.
The following characteristics must be utilized to evaluate signatures to determine whether they are by the same writer:
(a) The signature is handwritten.
(b) Agreement in style and general appearance, including basic construction, skill, alignment, fluency, and a general uniformity and consistency between signatures;
(c) Agreement in the proportions of individual letters, height to width, and heights of the upper to lower case letters;
(d) Irregular spacing, slants, or sizes of letters that are duplicated in both signatures;
(e) After considering the general traits, agreement of the most distinctive, unusual traits of the signatures.
(2) A single distinctive trait is insufficient to conclude that the signatures are by the same writer. There must be a combination or cluster of shared characteristics. Likewise, there must be a cluster of differences to conclude that the signatures are by different writers.
(3) A determination of signature mismatch for an absentee ballot must be confirmed by a second reviewer. 14
Illinois
Illinois 2022 Guide for Election Authorities, issued by the State Board of Elections, provides:
The election judge or official shall compare the voter’s signature on the certification envelope of that vote by mail ballot with the signature of the voter on file in the office of the election authority. If the election judge or official determines that the two signatures match and that the vote by mail voter is otherwise qualified to cast a vote by mail ballot, the election authority shall cast and count the ballot on Election Day or the day the ballot is determined to be valid, whichever is later, adding the results to the precinct in which the voter is registered. (10 ILCS 5/19-8(g)) If the election judge or official determines that the signatures do not match, or that the vote by mail voter is not qualified to cast a vote by mail ballot, then without opening the certification envelope, the judge or official shall mark across the face of the certification envelope the word “Rejected” and shall not cast or count the ballot. 15
Indiana
Indiana's 2022 Elections Administrator's Manual provides:
Under Indiana law, absentee ballots must be compared to the absentee ballot application (or ePollbook, if used during in-person early voting) prior to Election Day by the county election board or absentee voter board to determine its genuineness. A second signature review on Election Day is also to be performed, and more details about this second signature review can be found in the “Central Count of Absentee Ballots” section in this Manual.
For this first signature review, the county election board or absentee voter board must examine the signature of the absentee voter upon return of the absentee ballots on or before Election Day. The county election board, or the absentee voter board members in the office of the circuit court clerk, shall compare the signature that appears on the envelope containing the absentee ballots, or if there is no envelope, with the voter’s signature in SVRS, with the signature that appears on the voter’s absentee ballot application or, in the case of an ePollbook used for in-person absentee “early” voting, the signature from the ePollbook. (IC 3-11-10-26.2; IC 3-11.5-4-5)
If a county election board unanimously or by majority finds that the signature is not genuine or is missing, then a “Signature Mismatch” or “Missing Signature” Affidavit (ABS-18A or ABS-18B) must be sent to the voter. Please see “Signature Mismatch or Missing Signature Absentee Procedures” in this Manual for more information. If one member of county election board finds that the signature is missing or is not genuine, then the absentee ballot goes to election day review that may result in a notice being sent to a voter. (IC 3-11.5-4-5(b); IC 3-11.5-4-13.5(d); IC 3-11.5-4-13.6) 16
Second Signature Review The county election board or the team of absentee ballot counters may conduct the second absentee signature review upon receipt of the absentee ballot not later than before the absentee ballot is prepared to be tabulated. In a county that using a traditional paper poll list at the polls on Election Day, the second signature review must be a comparison of the signature on the voter’s absentee ballot application (or the signature on the electronic poll book used during absentee voting, pursuant to IC 3-7-29-6(a)(2)) against the voter’s signature on the absentee ballot return envelope (or the affidavit created by the county election board under IC 3-11-10-26(d)(2), or the statewide voter registration system). (IC 3-11.5-4-11) If the absentee counters or the county election board finds that the signature on a ballot envelope or transmitted affidavit is not genuine, the board shall write upon the ballot envelope the words "The county election board has found the signature of this voter is not genuine. This ballot is subject to IC 3-11.5-4-13.5 or IC 3-11.5-4-13.6.". (IC 3-11.54-4) The absentee ballot would be treated as a provisional ballot and the county should follow the cure procedures found below in the “Signature Mismatch or Missing Signature Absentee Process” section. 17
Iowa
Iowa Code provides:
53.25 Rejecting ballot.
1. a. If the absentee voter’s affidavit lacks the voter’s signature, if the applicant is not a duly registered voter on election day in the precinct where the absentee ballot was cast, if the envelope marked with the affidavit contains more than one ballot of any one kind, or if the voter has voted in person, such vote shall be rejected by the absentee and special voters precinct board.18
Kansas
Kansas statutes, Section 25-433(e) provides for election administrators to match the signature on the envelope with the signature in the voter file, as follows:
(e) A ballot shall be counted only if: (1) It is returned in the return identification envelope; (2) the envelope is signed by the elector to whom the ballot is issued; and (3) the signature has been verified as provided in this subsection. The county election officer shall verify the signature of each elector on the return identification envelope with the signature on the elector's registration records and may commence verification at any time prior to the canvass of the election.19
Kentucky
Kentucky Revised Statutes, §117.087(3)(c)(5) provides:
The members of the county board of elections, or the members of the central ballot counting board, shall compare the signatures on the outer envelope and the detachable flap with the signature of the voter that appears on the voter's signature of record, which record shall include the signature on the voter's identity document as defined in KRS 186.010, the voter's mail-in absentee ballot application, or the voter's registration card. If a signature match cannot be made, the county board of elections, central ballot counting board, or the county clerk shall make a reasonable effort to contact the voter and provide notice to the voter with a timeframe and manner in which the voter may cure his or her signature relative to the mail-in absentee ballot signature. All signature cures shall be completed before the closing of the polls on the day of a primary or an election. 20
Louisiana
Louisiana's Administrative Code, Title 31, Chapter 3, provides that absentee ballots can be rejected for missing voter or witness signatures but does not require that the signatures be matched against the voter registration records. Title 31, Section 301, provides:
Chapter 3. Opportunity to Cure Deficiencies in Absentee by Mail Ballots
§301. Absentee by Mail Ballot Deficiencies that May Be Cured A. Each registrar of voters shall review the absentee by mail ballot envelope flap for the following deficiencies:
1. missing voter signature;
2. missing witness signature; and incomplete affidavit information, including but not limited to missing election date and voter information. This review shall be conducted immediately upon receipt of the absentee by mail ballot.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 18:18(A)(3) and R.S. 36:742. HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of State, Elections Division, LR 47:1538 (October 2021). 21
Maine
Maine's Chapter 9: CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS, Subchapter 4: ABSENTEE VOTING, Article 1: REGULAR ABSENTEE VOTING
§756-A provides that the elections administrator shall verify the signature on the absentee ballot, as follow:
§756. Procedure on receipt
2. Clerk to examine signatures and affidavit. The clerk shall compare the signature of the voter on the application, when required, with that on the corresponding return envelope. The clerk shall also examine the affidavit and witness certification, if any, on the return envelope.
A. If the signatures appear to have been made by the same person and if the affidavit and witness certification are properly completed, when required, the clerk shall write "OK" and the clerk's initials on the return envelope. If the affidavit and witness certification are properly completed, when required, and the signatures do not appear to have been made by the same person, but this discrepancy is apparently the result of the voter's having properly obtained assistance under either section 753‑A, subsection 5, or section 754‑A, subsection 3, or both, then the clerk shall note the discrepancy on the return envelope, but shall also write "OK" and the clerk's initials on the return envelope. [PL 2021, c. 273, §22 (AMD).]
B. If the voter provided a telephone number or e-mail address with the voter's absentee ballot application and if the clerk determines that there is a discrepancy in the signature on the return envelope that is not described in paragraph A, that the return envelope is missing a signature or that the affidavit or witness certification on the return envelope is not properly completed, the clerk shall notify the voter pursuant to section 756‑A of the process by which the voter may cure the defect with the return envelope. 22
Maryland
Maryland does not require that the voter's signature be compared to the voter's registration, or ballot application. The Code of Maryland Regulations, Sec. 33.11.04.05. Return Envelopes — Opening, Reviewing, and Referrals, provides:
C. Signature and Seal.
(1) The team shall verify that:
(a) The oath required by Election Law Article, §9-310, Annotated Code of Maryland, is signed; and
(b) The return envelope is sealed. 23
Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title VIII, Chapter 54, Section 94 provides that the signature on the absentee ballot envelope is compared to the signature on the absentee ballot application, as follows:
Section 94: Examination of ballots; acceptance or rejection
Section 94. The city or town clerk or a person designated by him shall open each envelope purporting to contain an official absent voting ballot as soon as possible after receiving it, in the view of any persons who may be present. He shall remove therefrom the inner envelope provided for in clause (c) of the first paragraph of section eighty-seven and, without opening such inner envelope, compare the signature thereon with the signature on the application therefor, except if a family member signed the application or if the voter received assistance in signing the application or the envelope, and examine the affidavit on each such envelope. If he finds that such affidavit has been improperly executed, or does not sufficiently indicate that the ballot was marked and mailed or delivered as required by sections ninety-two and ninety-three, or except as provided in the preceding sentence was not signed by the person who signed the application therefor, he shall mark across the face thereof ''Rejected as defective'', and shall place on the absent voting disposition list required by section ninety-one or section ninety-one A, as the case may be, opposite the name of the voter the capital letter R. Each envelope, so marked, all applications for absent voter ballots and all lists referred to in this section shall be preserved and destroyed in the manner provided by law for the retention, preservation or destruction of official ballots. If he does not mark the envelope ''Rejected as defective'', he shall mark a check against the name of the voter on the absent voting disposition list required by section ninety-one or section ninety-one A, as the case may be. Said clerk, or such person, shall record on tally sheets prepared and furnished by the state secretary all envelopes, as well as accepted or rejected ballots of absent voters; and, in cities and towns divided into voting precincts, a separate record shall be made for each precinct.
Said clerk shall notify, as soon as possible, each voter whose ballot was rejected that such ballot has been rejected.24
Michigan
Michigan does require verification of signatures on absentee ballots. Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated, Section 168.766 provides:
168.766a.added Verification of signature; rejection of ballot; opportunity to cure; manner; notice; "signature on file" defined.
Sec. 766a.
(1) A clerk may determine that a signature on an elector's absent voter ballot application or absent voter ballot envelope does not agree sufficiently with the signature on file only after reviewing the signature using the process set forth in this section.
(2) An elector's signature is invalid only if it differs in significant and obvious respects from the elector's signature on file. Slight dissimilarities must be resolved in favor of the elector. Exact signature matches are not required to determine that a signature agrees sufficiently with the signature on file.
(3) If a clerk determines that the elector's signature on the absent voter ballot application or absent voter ballot return envelope is missing or does not agree sufficiently with the signature on file, the clerk shall reject the absent voter ballot application or absent voter ballot return envelope and provide the elector with notice and the opportunity to cure the deficiency as provided in this section.25
Minnesota
Minnesota requires a witness or notary signature on the absentee envelope. The Minnesota Secretary of State's 2022 Absentee Voting Guide, at page 43, provides the following criteria for absentee ballot review:
Acceptance Criteria:
1. The voter’s name and address on the envelope matches the application a. Notes: i. Use of, or lack of, full names, nicknames, abbreviations, or initials on the application or envelope is not a reason for rejection. ii. Power of Attorney (POA) does not apply to voting.
2. The voter has signed on the back of the envelope a. Note: A signature is considered the voters even if a voter used a signature mark on either or both the application and envelope, or if a voter had another individual or different individuals sign the names in their presence on either or both the application and envelope.
3. The voter has provided the same identification number on the envelope as on the AB application or on their voter record (see section 5.2.5 for acceptable ID numbers) a. If neither matching option results in a match, the board must compare the signature on the envelope to the signature provided on the application form to determine whether the ballot was returned by the same person to whom it was transmitted. b. Notes: i. Use of, or lack of, full names, nicknames, abbreviations, or initials on the application or envelope is not a reason for rejection. ii. It is not possible to successfully compare a pen and ink signature to a digital typed signature.
4. The voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly completed VRA with proof of residence marked on the signature envelope a. If the voter was sent nonregistered materials, double-check their registration status in SVRS (or master list or VIP Lookup tool). Their registration status could have changed between transmission of the blank ballot and the receipt of the voted ballot. If the voter is now registered, a VRA is not necessary. Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State 44 b. If a VRA is not found in the signature envelope, open the tan ballot envelope and, without examining or removing the ballot, remove any VRA from the envelope and immediately reseal, initial, and note the purpose of why it was opened on the exterior of the tan envelope.
5. A witness has signed the statement on the signature envelope, and has provided a Minnesota residential address or title indicating they are eligible to administer oaths, or has affixed a notary stamp
6. The voter has not already voted in the election in person, or – if it is after the 7th day before the election – by absentee. 26
Mississippi
Mississippi requires a witness signature for disabled voters, or a notary signature for other absentee voters.
Mississippi Code Annotated, Section 23-15-639 provides:
§ 23-15-639. Examination, processing and counting of all absentee ballots at the opening and closing of polls.
(1) The examination and counting of all absentee ballots shall be conducted as follows:
(a) At the opening of the regular balloting and at the opening of the polls, the resolution board established under Section 23-15-523 and trained in the process of canvassing absentee ballots shall first take the envelopes containing the absentee ballots of such electors from the secure location at the circuit clerk’s office, and the name, address and precinct inscribed on each envelope shall be announced by the election managers.
(b) The signature on the application shall then be compared with the signature on the back of the envelope. If it corresponds and the affidavit, if one is required, is sufficient and the resolution board find that the applicant is a registered and qualified voter or otherwise qualified to vote, the envelope shall then be opened and the ballot removed from the envelope, without its being unfolded, or permitted to be unfolded or examined.27
Missouri
Missouri does not have no-excuse absentee voting. Absentee ballot return envelopes must be signed by the voter under penalty of perjury. The affidavit must be signed by the election official receiving the ballot, a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths. The ballot is rejected if the statement is not completed, as provided by Section 115.295.
115.295. Faulty statement, effect of.—1. As each absentee ballot is received by the election authority, the election authority shall indicate its receipt on the list. 2. If the statements on any ballot envelope have not been completed, the absentee ballot in the envelope shall be rejected.28
Montana
Montana Code Annotated 2021, Section 13-13-241 provides that the signature on the ballot envelope is compared to the voter's signature on the voter registration form, as follows:
13-13-241 Examination of absentee ballot signature envelopes -- deposit of absentee and unvoted ballots -- rulemaking. (1) (a) Upon receipt of each absentee ballot signature envelope, an election administrator shall compare the signature of the elector or elector's agent on the absentee ballot request or on the elector's voter registration form with the signature on the signature envelope. 29
Nebraska
32-957.
Special election by mail; verification of signatures; identification requirements.
(1) An official ballot under section 32-953 shall be counted only if it is returned in the identification envelope, the envelope is signed by the voter to whom it was issued, the signature is verified by the election commissioner or county clerk, and the voter provided the voter's driver's license number or state identification card number on the envelope or provided a photocopy of valid photographic identification or a reasonable impediment certification inside the envelope.
(2) The election commissioner or county clerk shall verify the signature on each identification envelope received in his or her office with the signature appearing on the voter registration records. If the election commissioner or county clerk is unable to verify a signature, the election commissioner or county clerk shall contact the voter within two days after determining that he or she is unable to verify the signature to ascertain whether the voter cast a ballot. The election commissioner or county clerk may request that the registered voter sign and submit a current signature card pursuant to section 32-318.30
Nevada
NRS 293.269927 Duties of county clerk upon return of mail ballot: Procedure for checking signatures; safeguarding and delivery of mail ballots for counting; procedure to contact voter to remedy certain defects in returned mail ballot.
1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.200, when a mail ballot is returned by or on behalf of a voter to the county clerk, and a record of its return is made in the mail ballot record for the election, the clerk or an employee in the office of the clerk shall check the signature used for the mail ballot by electronic means pursuant to subsection 2 or manually pursuant to subsection 3.
2. To check the signature used for a mail ballot by electronic means:
(a) The electronic device must take a digital image of the signature used for the mail ballot and compare the digital image with the signatures of the voter from his or her application to register to vote or application to preregister to vote available in the records of the county clerk.
(b) If the electronic device does not match the signature of the voter, the signature shall be reviewed manually pursuant to the provisions of subsection 3.
3. To check the signature used for a mail ballot manually, the county clerk shall use the following procedure:
(a) The clerk or employee shall check the signature used for the mail ballot against all signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk.
(b) If at least two employees in the office of the clerk believe there is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter, the clerk shall contact the voter and ask the voter to confirm whether the signature used for the mail ballot belongs to the voter.
4. For purposes of subsection 3:
(a) There is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter if the signature used for the mail ballot differs in multiple, significant and obvious respects from the signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk.
(b) There is not a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter if:
(1) The signature used for the mail ballot is a variation of the signature of the voter caused by the substitution of initials for the first or middle name, the substitution of a different type of punctuation in the first, middle or last name, the use of a common nickname or the use of one last name for a person who has two last names and it does not otherwise differ in multiple, significant and obvious respects from the signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk; or
(2) There are only slight dissimilarities between the signature used for the mail ballot and the signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk.31
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Election Code, Section 659:50 Announcement by Moderator. –
I. The moderator shall begin processing absentee ballots by clearly announcing that he or she is about to open the envelopes which were delivered to him or her. The moderator shall then remove the envelope containing the ballots of each absentee voter and, for those absentee ballots where the absentee voter has not been verified by the clerk as provided in RSA 657:17-a, shall compare the signature on the affidavit with the signature on the application for the ballot. If:
(a) The name of the voter is on the checklist; and
(b) The affidavit appears to be properly executed; and
(c) If the affidavit or application shows that the voter received assistance, the absentee voter shall be processed as verified. Otherwise, the signatures on the affidavit shall be examined to determine if it appears to be executed by the same person who signed the application.32
New Jersey
NJSA 19:63-17 Actions of county board of elections relative to mail-in ballot
17. a. The county board of elections shall, promptly after receiving each mail-in ballot, remove the inner envelope containing the ballot from the outer envelope and shall compare the signature and the information contained on the flap of the inner envelope with the signature and information contained in the respective requests for mail-in ballots and the signature and information contained in the Statewide voter registration system. In addition, as to mail-in ballots issued less than seven days prior to an election, the county board of elections shall also check to establish that the mail-in voter did not vote in person. The county board shall reject such a ballot if it is not satisfied, pursuant to a comparison with the Statewide voter registration system, that the voter is legally entitled to vote and that the ballot conforms with the requirements of this act. The county board of elections shall conduct the determination of qualification of each voter in accordance with the requirements of the Certificate of Mail-in Voter pursuant to section 13 of P.L.2009, c.79 (C.19:63-13).33
New Mexico
New Mexico has no-excuse absentee voting and does not verify the voter's signature, but instead verifies the last four digits of the voter's social security number only.
New Mexico Administrative Code, 1.10.12.16, provides:
1.10.12.16 MAILED BALLOT CURING PROCESS: A. Within one day of receipt of a mailed ballot, the county clerk shall remove the privacy flap to verify that the voter signed the outer envelope and to confirm that the last four digits of the social security number provided by the voter matches the information on the voter’s certificate of registration pursuant to Subsection B of Section 1-6-10 NMSA 1978.
(1) If either voter’s signature or the last four digits of the voter’s social security number are not provided, the county clerk shall reject the mailed ballot and make a notation of “rejected” in the absentee ballot register and provide the applicable rejection reason, either “no signature” or “incomplete,” and shall transfer the ballot the special deputy for mailed ballots for delivery to the absent voter election board in accordance with Subsection F of Section 1-6-10 NMSA 1978.
(2) If the last four digits of the social security number do not match the electronic voter registration certificate, the following procedures shall be followed:
(a) The county clerk shall review the original voter registration application to ensure the mismatch is not the result of a typographical error in the voter database. If the error is in the electronic voter registration record, the voter record shall be corrected, and the ballot will not require a curing process.
(b) If the issue is deemed not to be a typographical error in the electronic voter registration record, the county clerk shall query the driver history record system through the New Mexico department of taxation and revenue using the name and date of birth of the voter. If the query returns the same social security number as provided by the voter under the privacy flap, the ballot shall be accepted. 34
New York
According to guidance issued by the New York State Bureau of Elections:
The following defects of the ballot envelope DO require the notice and cure opportunity for the voter:
• the affirmation envelope is unsigned
• the affirmation envelope signature does not correspond to the registration signature and thus does not appear to verify the voter. (Please note that there are specific instructions regarding signature matching below.)
• the affirmation envelope does not have the required complete witness to a mark • the ballot is returned without an affirmation envelope in the return envelope (in some instances the voter may not be discernable)
• the affirmation envelope is signed by the person that has provided assistance to the voter but is not signed or marked by the voter him/herself
• the voter has failed to sign the affirmation envelope and someone else has signed the affirmation. (spouse, caregiver, child, POA etc.)35
North Carolina
North Caroline General Statutes Annotated, § 163-231, provides that the absentee ballot envelope must be signed by two witnesses or notarized, but there is no indication of a requirement for the voter's or witnesses signatures to be verified. That section provides:
§ 163-231. Voting absentee ballots and transmitting them to the county board of elections.
(a) Procedure for Voting Absentee Ballots. - In the presence of two persons who are at least 18 years of age, and who are not disqualified by G.S. 163-226.3(a)(4) or G.S. 163-237(c), the voter shall do all of the following:
(1) Mark the voter's ballots, or cause them to be marked by that person in the voter's presence according to the voter's instruction.
(2) Fold each ballot separately, or cause each of them to be folded in the voter's presence.
(3) Place the folded ballots in the container-return envelope and securely seal it, or have this done in the voter's presence.
(4) Make the application printed on the container-return envelope according to the provisions of G.S. 163-229(b) and make the certificate printed on the container-return envelope according to the provisions of G.S. 163-229(b).
(5) Require those two persons in whose presence the voter marked that voter's ballots to sign the application and certificate as witnesses and to indicate those persons' addresses. Failure to list a ZIP code does not invalidate the application and certificate.
(6) Do one of the following:
a. Have the application notarized. The notary public may be the person in whose presence the voter marked that voter's ballot.
b. Have the two persons in whose presence the voter marked that voter's ballots to certify that the voter is the registered voter submitting the marked ballots.
Alternatively to the prior paragraph of this subsection, any requirement for two witnesses shall be satisfied if witnessed by one notary public, who shall comply with all the other requirements of that paragraph. The notary shall affix a valid notarial seal to the envelope, and include the word "Notary Public" below his or her signature.36
North Dakota
North Dakota's statues require signature verification:
Section 16.1-07-12 - Opening ballot - Voting or rejecting - Depositing in ballot box - Preserving
1. At any time beginning three business days before election day and ending when the polls close on election day, the election clerks and board members of the relevant polling place first shall compare the signature on the application for an absent voter's ballot with the signature on the voter's affidavit provided for in section 16.1-07-08 to ensure the signatures correspond.
2. If the affidavit on the outer envelope of a returned absentee ballot is found to be insufficient, or the signatures on the application and affidavit do not correspond, or the applicant is not then a duly qualified elector of the precinct, the vote may not be allowed, and without opening the absent voter's envelope, the election inspector or election judge shall mark across the face of the ballot "rejected as defective" or "rejected as not an elector", as the case may be. The ballots rejected under this subsection then are turned over to the county canvassing board for final determination of eligibility
N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-07-1237
Ohio
The Ohio Election Official Manual provides:
In order for an identification envelope to be opened and the absentee ballot to be counted, the absentee voter must provide sufficient information on the absentee ballot ID envelope to identify the voter and to determine that the voter was eligible to cast the ballot.125 At a minimum, an absentee voter must provide:
1. Name;
2. Signature;
and 3. Proper Identification: • The voter’s driver license number; • The last four digits of the voter’s Social Security number; or • A copy of a current and valid photo identification, a military identification, or a current (within the last 12 months) utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document (other than a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections) that shows the voter’s name and address.
It is important to note that the board of elections is required to pre-print the voter’s name as it appears in the voter registration record onto the absentee ballot identification envelope. Occasionally, a voter may strike through and write a name on the identification envelope that is different from the name preprinted by the board using the voter’s name as it appears in the voter registration record. Ohio law does not permit an absentee ballot identification envelope to be used as a voter registration update form (change of name form). If the absentee voter’s name on the absentee identification envelope or Secretary of State Form 11-S does not match the name in the voter’s registration record, the board must reject the absentee ballot.133
• The absentee voter’s signature must correspond with the signature that appears in the voter’s registration file. If the absentee voter’s signature on the absentee identification envelope or Secretary of State Form 11-S does not correspond with the signature in the voter’s registration record, the board must reject the absentee ballot.
• The absentee voter must provide a form of proper identification. 38
Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires that absentee ballot envelopes be notarized, as follows:
Section 14-108 - Return of Ballots
A. The voter shall be required to mark the ballot in ink or other manner as prescribed by the Secretary of the State Election Board; seal the ballots in the plain opaque envelope; fill out completely and sign the affidavit, such signature to be notarized at no charge by a notary public. 39
Oregon
The Oregon Secretary of State's Vote by Mail Procedures Manual provides:
1 When a ballot has been returned by the voter, the signature on the return identification ballot envelope is compared to the signature on the voter’s most current registration record. If the return identification ballot envelope is unsigned the ballot is only accepted if the elector provides a signature either by signing the return identification envelope or by providing the no signature attestation form in Appendix 18.
2 If the signature does not match the most current registration record review all signatures contained in the registration record in OCVR to determine the validity of the signature. Power of attorneys may not sign the return identification envelope for a voter.
3 If the signature matches a registration record in OCVR, accept the ballot.
The following characteristics and procedures shall be utilized by a county or state elections official to evaluate signatures to determine whether the signature matches or does not match the signatures contained in the state voter registration record.
1 Agreement in: → Style and general appearance, including: ✓ Basic construction ✓ Skill ✓ Alignment ✓ Fluency ✓ General uniformity and consistency between signatures → Proportions of individual letters ✓ Height to width ✓ Heights of the upper to lower case letters
2 Irregular spacing, slants, or sizes of letters are duplicated in both signatures.
3 General traits and agreement of the most distinctive, unusual traits of the signatures.
4 Only a signature possessing obvious and predominantly matching characteristics with the signatures in the voter registration record may be reviewed and determined to be a match by a single county elections official.
5 A signature possessing one or more distinctive dissimilarities from the signatures in the voter registration record shall be reviewed by at least two different county elections officials before it is accepted as a matching signature or rejected as a non-matching signature.
6 A single distinctive trait is insufficient to conclude that the signatures are by the same writer. There must be a combination or cluster of shared characteristics. Likewise, there must be a combination or cluster of dissimilarities to conclude that the signatures may be by different writers.
7 When evaluating signatures elections officials may review broad characteristics used to evaluate an entire signature as a unit or they may narrow the scope of their examination to that of specific letters within a signature.40
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not verify the voter's signature. Pennsylvania statute, 25 Pa. Stat. § 3146.8, provides:
(3) When the county board meets to pre-canvass or canvass absentee ballots and mail-in ballots under paragraphs (1), (1.1) and (2), the board shall examine the declaration on the envelope of each ballot not set aside under subsection (D) and shall compare the information thereon with that contained in the "registered absentee and mail-in voters file," the absentee voters' list and/or the "military veterans and emergency civilians absentee voters file," whichever is applicable. If the county board has verified the proof of identification as required under this act and is satisfied that the declaration is sufficient and the information contained in the "registered absentee and mail-in voters file," the absentee voters' list and/or the "military veterans and emergency civilians absentee voters file" verifies his right to vote, the county board shall provide a list of the names of electors whose absentee ballots or mail-in ballots are to be pre-canvassed or canvassed. 41
Rhode Island
Rhode Island General Laws, § 17-20-26. Opening and counting of ballots, provides that the election board will:
Compare the name, residence, and signature of the voter with the name, residence, and signature on the central voter registration system for mail ballots and satisfy itself that both signatures are identical. The board shall designate two (2) persons, to review and compare each voter’s signature with the voter’s signature found in the central voter registration system. If both designees agree that the signatures match, the mail ballot shall proceed to be processed, certified, and tabulated. In the event that one or both designees find a discrepancy with the voter’s signature, the certification envelope shall then be reviewed by a pair of supervising board staff members. If the pair of supervising board staff members find that the signatures match, then the mail ballot shall proceed to be processed, certified, and tabulated. In the event that one or both supervising board staff members find a discrepancy in the voter’s signature, the supervising board staff shall compare the signature on the certification envelope to the voter’s ballot application. If the pair of supervising board staff members find that those signatures match, then the mail ballot shall proceed to be processed, certified, and tabulated. In the event that one or both supervising board staff members find a discrepancy in the voter’s signature, the supervising board staff shall compare the signature on the certification envelope to the voter’s ballot application. If the pair of supervising board staff members find that the signatures match, then the mail ballot shall proceed to be processed, certified, and tabulated. In the event that one or both supervising board staff members find a discrepancy in the voter’s signature, the certification envelope shall be segregated, and the board will notify the voter of the discrepancy, in accordance with regulations and procedures promulgated by the board. Any segregated certification envelope that has not been cured or fully addressed by the voter, in accordance with the board’s promulgated regulations and procedures, shall be reviewed by the board to make a final determination on the signature set forth on the certification envelope. 42
South Carolina
South Carolina does not verify the voter's signature, but does require a witness signature.
South Carolina Election Code, SECTION 7-15-420 provides:
Receipt, tabulation, and reporting of absentee ballots.
(A) The county board of voter registration and elections, municipal election commission, or executive committee of each municipal party in the case of municipal primary elections is responsible for the tabulation and reporting of absentee ballots.
(B) Beginning no earlier than 7:00 a.m. on the second day immediately preceding election day, the managers appointed pursuant to Section 7-13-72 may begin the process of examining the return-addressed envelopes that have been received by the county board of voter registration and elections making certain that each oath has been properly signed and witnessed and includes the printed name, signature, and address of the witness. All return-addressed envelopes received by the county board of voter registration and elections before the time for closing the polls must be examined in this manner. A ballot may not be counted unless the oath is properly signed and witnessed nor may any ballot be counted which is received by the county board of voter registration and elections after time for closing of the polls. The printed instructions required by Section 7-15-370(2) to be sent each absentee ballot applicant must notify him that his vote will not be counted in either of these events. If a ballot is not challenged, the sealed return-addressed envelope must be opened by the managers, and the enclosed envelope marked "Ballot Herein" removed, placed in a locked box or boxes, and kept secure.43
South Dakota
South Dakota's State Laws, Section 12-19-10.1. County auditor validation of absentee ballot signatures--Violation as misdemeanor, provides:
If a county uses an absentee ballot precinct at the building where the county auditor is located to process absentee ballots on election day for a federal, state, or county election, the county has the option to validate the absentee ballot signatures in the county auditor's office. The county auditor shall follow the provisions of § 12-19-10 except for the following:
(1) The county auditor, at anytime during the absentee voting timeframe, shall carefully compare the statement on the reverse side of the official return envelope with the written application without opening or breaking the seal of the return envelope; and
(2) If the county auditor determines that both signatures match:
(a) The application for absentee ballot does not need to be sent to the absentee precinct board; and
(b) The county auditor shall initial the envelope after the determination that signatures do match.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. 44
Tennessee
Tennessee Code, : TN Code § 2-6-202 (2021), provides:
Upon receipt by mail of the absentee ballot, the administrator shall open only the outer envelope and compare the voter's signature on the application with the voter's signature on the appropriate registration record. Upon determining that the voter is entitled to vote, the administrator shall note on the voter's absentee ballot envelope that the voter's signature has been verified. This signature verification is the final verification necessary before the counting board counts the ballots. 45
Texas
Texas law provides for a signature verification committee. The Texas Election Code, Title 7, Subtitle A, Chapter 87, provides:
(i) The signature verification committee shall compare the signature on each carrier envelope certificate, except those signed for a voter by a witness, with the signature on the voter's ballot application to determine whether the signatures are those of the voter. The committee may also compare the signatures with any known signature of the voter on file with the county clerk or voter registrar to determine whether the signatures are those of the voter. Except as provided by Subsection (l), a determination under this subsection that the signatures are not those of the voter must be made by a majority vote of the committee's membership. The committee shall place the jacket envelopes, carrier envelopes, and applications of voters whose signatures are not those of the voter in separate containers from those of voters whose signatures are those of the voter. The committee chair shall deliver the sorted materials to the early voting ballot board at the time specified by the board's presiding judge. 46
Utah
Effective May 3, 2023, Utah Statutes, Section 20A-3a-401, titled, " Custody of voted ballots mailed or deposited in a ballot drop box -- Disposition -- Notice.", provides:
(1)This section governs ballots returned by mail or via a ballot drop box.(2)(a)Poll workers shall open return envelopes containing manual ballots that are in the custody of the poll workers in accordance with this section.(b)The poll workers shall, first, compare the signature of the voter on the affidavit of the return envelope to the signature of the voter in the voter registration records.(3)After complying with Subsection (2), the poll workers shall determine whether:(a)the signatures correspond;(b)the affidavit is sufficient;(c)the voter is registered to vote in the correct precinct;(d)the voter's right to vote the ballot has been challenged;(e)the voter has already voted in the election;(f)the voter is required to provide valid voter identification; and(g)if the voter is required to provide valid voter identification, whether the voter has provided valid voter identification.(4)(a)The poll workers shall take the action described in Subsection (4)(b) if the poll workers determine:(i)in accordance with the rules made under Subsection (11):(A)that the signature on the affidavit of the return envelope is reasonably consistent with the individual's signature in the voter registration records; or(B)for an individual who checks the box described in Subsection (5)(c)(v), that the signature is verified by alternative means; 47
Vermont
In Vermont statute, the signature is note verified.
17 V.S.A. § 2546 provides:
- § 2546. Receipt of ballots by clerk; voter status; opportunity to cure; processing absentee ballots
- (a) Town clerk; process generally. Beginning 30 days before the opening of the polls on election day, upon receipt of a mailing envelope containing ballots returned by a voter, the town clerk shall, within three business days or on the next day the office is open for business, whichever is later, direct two election officials working together to do all of the following:
- (1) open the mailing envelope and sort early voter absentee ballots by ward and district, if necessary; and
- (2) determine that the certificate has been signed, the voted ballot was placed in the certificate envelope, and the ballot is not defective for any other reason pursuant to section 2547 of this subchapter.
- (A) If the ballot is not deemed defective, the clerk shall check the name of the early voter off the entrance checklist and record the ballot as received and accepted in the online election management system, 48
Virginia
Virginia state law does not require signature verification. Section 24.2-709.1. Processing returned absentee ballots before election day; cure process, provides:
A. On receipt of an absentee ballot returned in person or by mail to the office of the general registrar or to a drop-off location before election day, the general registrar shall mark the date of receipt in the voter's record and shall examine the ballot envelope to verify completion of the required voter affirmation. A voter affirmation statement shall not be deemed to be incomplete on the sole basis of the voter's failure to provide (i) his full name or his middle initial, as long as the voter provided his full first and last name, or (ii) the date, or any part of the date, including the year, on which he signed the statement. 49
Washington
Washington's state statuute, RCW 29A.40.110, titled, "Processing incoming ballots", provides: .
(1) The opening and subsequent processing of return envelopes for any primary or election may begin upon receipt. The tabulation of absentee ballots must not commence until after 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election.
(2) All received return envelopes must be placed in secure locations from the time of delivery to the county auditor until their subsequent opening. After opening the return envelopes, the county canvassing board shall place all of the ballots in secure storage until processing. Ballots may be taken from the inner envelopes and all the normal procedural steps may be performed to prepare these ballots for tabulation.
(3) The canvassing board, or its designated representatives, shall examine the postmark on the return envelope and signature on the declaration before processing the ballot. The ballot must either be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election, or must be postmarked no later than the day of the primary or election. All personnel assigned to verify signatures must receive training on statewide standards for signature verification. Personnel shall verify that the voter's signature on the ballot declaration is the same as the signature of that voter in the registration files of the county. Verification may be conducted by an automated verification system approved by the secretary of state. A variation between the signature of the voter on the ballot declaration and the signature of that voter in the registration files due to the substitution of initials or the use of common nicknames is permitted so long as the surname and handwriting are clearly the same. 50
West Virginia
In West Virginia, the ballot may be challenged based on the signature.
Section 3-3-10,titled, "Challenging of absent voters' ballots.", provides:
(a) The official designated to supervise and conduct absentee voting may challenge an absent voter's ballot on any of the following grounds:
(b) (4) That the signatures of the person voting an absent voter's ballot as they appear on his or her registration record, his or her application for an absent voter's ballot and the absent voter's ballot envelope are not in the same handwriting; 51
Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not require signature verification. Wisconsin statute 6.87 provides, in pertinent part:
(a) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, at any time between the opening and closing of the polls on electio n day, the inspectors shall, in the same room where votes are being cast, in such a manner that members of the public can hear and see the procedures, open the carrier envelope only, and announce the name of the absent elector or the identification serial number of the absent elector if the elector has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2). When the inspectors find that the certification has been properly executed, the applicant is a qualified elector of the ward or election district, and the applicant has not voted in the election, they shall enter an indication on the poll list next to the applicant's name indicating an absentee ballot is cast by the elector. They shall then open the envelope containing the ballot in a manner so as not to deface or destroy the certification thereon. The inspectors shall take out the ballot without unfolding it or permitting it to be unfolded or examined. Unless the ballot is cast under s. 6.95, the inspectors shall verify that the ballot has been endorsed by the issuing clerk. If the poll list indicates that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and proof of residence is enclosed, the inspectors shall enter both the type of identifying document submitted by the absent elector and the name of the entity or institution that issued the identifying document on the poll list in the space provided. If the poll list indicates that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and no proof of residence is enclosed or the name or address on the document that is provided is not the same as the name and address shown on the poll list, the inspectors shall proceed as provided under s. 6.97 (2). The inspectors shall then deposit the ballot into the proper ballot box and enter the absent elector's name or voting number after his or her name on the poll list in the same manner as if the elector had been present and voted in person. 52
Wyoming
Wyoming does not verify signatures on absentee ballots. Its statute, SEction 22-9-121, titled, " Examination of absentee ballot affidavit; rejection; voting ballots.". provides:
(a) After the judges of election are sworn in and as activity permits, the judges shall examine the affidavit on the absentee ballot envelope to determine if it is legally sufficient.
(b) If it is not, they shall write on the unopened inner envelope “REJECTED” and reasons for rejection. A rejected ballot envelope and the ballot therein shall be returned to the clerk who delivered it and retained by the clerk as required by state and federal law or until the final termination of any court action in which it may be involved, whichever is later, and then destroyed 53
Footnote 1: www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/electionofficials/EMG/EAC_Election_Management_Guidelines_508.pdf
Footnote 2: Alabama requirements: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/absentee-voting
Footnote 3: Alaska: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/absentee-and-early-voting/
Footnote 4: Arizona: https://azsos.gov/elections/voters/voting-elections/ballot-processing
Footnote 5: Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission https://www.azcleanelections.gov/election-security/the-security-of-voting-by-mail
Footnote 6: Arkansas: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-information/absentee-voting
Footnote 7: California: https://www.sos.ca.gov/administration/regulations/current-regulations/elections/signature-verification-ballot-processing-and-ballot-counting-emergency-regulations#20960
Footnote 8: Colorado: www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Resources/files/ElectionFactSheet-VerifyingIdentitiesOfVoters.pdf
Footnote 9: Connecticut: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Voter-Information/Absentee-Ballot-Process
Footnote 10: Delaware: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title15/c055/index.html
Footnote 11: Florida: https://files.floridados.gov/media/706922/binder1-florida-election-code-2023.pdf
Footnote 12: Georgia: https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-21/chapter-2/article-10/section-21-2-386/
Footnote 13: Hawaii: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol01_Ch0001-0042F/HRS0011/HRS_0011-0106.htm
Footnote 14: Idaho: https://sos.idaho.gov/elections/publications/Directives_Guide.pdf
Footnote 15: Illinois: /www.elections.il.gov/agencyforms/1%20GUIDE%20FOR%20ELECTION%20AUTHORITIES/2022%20Guide%20for%20Election%20Authorities_FINAL.pdf
Footnote 16: Indiana: www.co.hendricks.in.us/egov/documents/1645728917_14085.pdf
Footnote 17: Indiana: Id at page 152
Footnote 18: Iowa: /www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/53.pdf
Footnote 19: Kansas: https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_004_0033.html
Footnote 20: Kentucky: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=52130
Footnote 21: Louisiana: www.doa.la.gov/media/dmyemq3j/31.pdf
Footnote 22: Maine: https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/21-a/title21-Asec756.html
Footnote 23: Maryland: http://mdrules.elaws.us/comar/33.11.04.05
Footnote 24: Massachusetts: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVIII/Chapter54/Section94
Footnote 25: Michigan: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(v002scenvptfenjb4vuu3bqz))/mileg.aspx?page=GetMCLDocument&objectname=mcl-168-766a-added
Footnote 26: Minnesota: www.sos.state.mn.us/media/5058/absentee-voting-administration-guide.pdf
Footnote 27: Mississippi: https://www.sos.ms.gov/communications-publications/mississippi-law
Footnote 28: Missouri: /www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionGoVoteMissouri/CurrentElectionLawBook.pdf
Footnote 29: Montana: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0130/chapter_0130/part_0020/section_0410/0130-0130-0020-0410.html
Footnote 30: Nebraska: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-957
Footnote 31: Nevada: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-293.html#NRS293Sec269927
Footnote 32: New Hampshire: https://ebenchbook.org/new-hampshire/
Footnote 33: New Jersey: https://nj.gov/state/dos-statutes-elections-19-60-63.shtml
Footnote 34: New Mexico: https://www.sos.nm.gov/legislation-and-lobbying/legal-resources/nm-administrative-rules/
Footnote 35: New York: www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/Voting/CuresProcess2021Guidance.pdf
Footnote 36: North Carolina: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_163/GS_163-231.html
Footnote 37: North Dakota: https://casetext.com/statute/north-dakota-century-code/title-161-elections/chapter-161-07-absent-voters-ballots-and-absentee-voting/section-161-07-12-opening-ballot-voting-or-rejecting-depositing-in-ballot-box-preserving
Footnote 38:Ohio: /www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/directives/2022/eom/dir2022-11-ch07.pdf
Footnote 39: Oklahoma: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/voters/notary-services/faq-notaries-public.html
Footnote 40: Oregon: https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/documents/vbm_manual.pdf
Footnote 41: Pennsylvania: Casetext.com/statute/pennsylvania-statutes/statutes-unconsolidated/title-25-ps-elections-electoral-districts/chapter-14-election-code/article-xiii-voting-by-qualified-absentee-electors/section-31468-canvassing-of-official-absentee-ballots-and-mail-in-ballots
Footnote 42: Rhode Island: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE17/17-20/17-20-26.htm
Footnote 43: South Carolina: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t07c015.php
Footnote 44: South Dakota: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/12-19-10
Footnote 45: Tennessee: https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-2/chapter-6/part-2/section-2-6-202
Footnote 46: Texas: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.87.htm
Footnote 47: Utah: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title20A/Chapter3A/20A-3a-S401.html
Footnote 48: Vermont: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/17/051/02546
Footnote 49 Virginia: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title24.2/chapter7/section24.2-709.1/
Footnote 50: Washington: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.40.110
Footnote 51: West Virginia: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/3-3-10/
Footnote 52: Wisconsin: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/6/iv/87
Footnote 53: Wyoming: https://wyoleg.gov/StateStatutes/StatutesConstitution?tab=0