Chatham County voter Deborah Miller recently discovered that her and her husband’s absentee ballots arrived already sealed in the return envelope. This issue was also reported in neighboring Randolph County, leading to concerns among voters about the voting process.
County elections officials explained that the sealed envelopes may have been caused by humidity during the printing and processing of the ballots. The North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided guidance on how to handle sealed ballot envelopes, including using a letter opener or scissors to unseal them.
If voters cannot unseal the envelopes, they are advised to request a new ballot to ensure their vote is counted. Some counties, including Chatham County, have recommended including a note with the resealed envelopes to avoid any confusion or issues with the ballot.
While the State Board reassured that this issue is not widespread, concerned voters like Miller worry that some may be discouraged from voting if they receive sealed envelopes and do not know how to proceed.
Overall, election officials are working to address these concerns and ensure that all absentee ballots are handled properly and counted in the upcoming election. Voters are encouraged to reach out to their county elections office for guidance on how to handle sealed ballot envelopes and ensure their vote is counted.
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