Can I still vote by mail in Florida? Yes, here’s how and your deadlines to request a ballot

The 2024 general election is roughly two weeks away, but another deadline approaching even quicker — the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot.

For those wanting to vote by mail in this election, here’s what to know before time runs out.

When is the General Election 2024?

The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5.

When is the deadline to request vote-by-mail ballot, previously known as absentee ballot, in Florida?

The final deadline for vote-by-mail requests is Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m.

How do I request a vote-by-mail ballot in Florida?

To request a vote-by-mail ballot, Florida officials say the request may be made in one of the following ways:

• By signed writing, using Form DS-DE 160 (Statewide Vote-by-Mail ballot Request Form) (e.g., mail, fax, or scanned attachment to an email) to Supervisor of Elections,

• In person at the Supervisor of Elections’ office, or

• By phone to the Supervisor of Elections

The request must include the following information:

• The voter’s name,

• The voter’s date of birth,

• The voter’s address (A signed written request is required if the address is different than the address on file. An exception exists for absent uniformed service voter or an overseas voter seeking a vote-by-mail ballot.),

• The voter’s Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card, or last four digits of the voter’s social security number, whichever may be verified in the supervisor’s records, and

• The voter’s signature (if the request is written).

Florida does allow others to request ballots for a voter, such as immediate family members, legal guardians and designees for those with a disability. Additional information will be needed.

What if I have requested mail-in ballots in prior Florida elections? Do I need to do it again?

Yes, you do. New Florida legislation requires voters who wish to request a vote-by-mail ballot to do so after every election cycle.

What mistakes do people make on vote-by-mail ballots?

Any of the following could result in your vote not being counted:

• Using the wrong ink. Use a black ink pen. Don’t use light ink, pencils or markers.

• Marking the ballot wrong. Vote for your preferred candidate by completely filling in the oval bubble next to their name. Don’t go outside the lines, don’t use an X, dots or checkmarks. Do not write anywhere else on the ballot, with the exception of adding a write-in candidate where applicable.

• Making other marks on the ballot. You don’t have to vote in every race on your ballot, but do not cross out any races or names, or make any other marks.

• Messing up your ballot. Don’t bring food, drink or any other messy items nearby while you’re filling out your ballot. Stains or residue may hinder counting machines from registering your votes. Do not cut, tear, wrinkle, tape or otherwise taint your ballot.

• Forget to sign your ballot. This is the most common mistake voters make. You must sign (not print) your legal name as it appears on your voting record where indicated, and date the return envelope.

Only one ballot may be returned per envelope.

What if my ballot is damaged or lost?

If a ballot is lost or damaged, a voter can request another ballot by contacting their local Supervisor of Elections’ office.

What is the deadline to return a vote-by-mail ballot?

A returned voted ballot must be received, regardless of postmark, by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Here’s how to track your vote-by-mail ballot request and returned ballot

Officials share online that any voter who has requested a vote-by-mail ballot can track online the status of his or her ballot through the county Supervisor of Elections’ website or access the county-specific link on our webpage Vote-by-Mail Ballot Information and Status Lookup.

The United States Postal Service also provides a free service (register online) called Informed Delivery that allows a voter to see in advance a digital image of the address side of certain mail pieces such as a requested vote-by-mail ballot that will arrive at the voter’s mailing address. Other options, if time does not allow for timely return by mail, include in-person delivery, secure ballot intake stations designated by each county’s Supervisor of Elections, or expedited or special courier services.

When does early voting start? Other deadlines to remember ahead of the 2024 Florida General Election

The deadline for registering to vote passed earlier this month. Here’s the remaining deadlines to mark in your calendar:

• Oct. 26-Nov. 2: Early voting opens statewide. Optional earlier dates may be offered on a county-by-county basis.

• Nov. 5: Election Day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in whatever time zone you live in. Any voters still in line at 7 p.m. will be permitted to cast a ballot however long it takes

Contributing: C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida’s vote by mail deadline is this week. How to request ballot