Is there something wrong with your ballot signature? Here’s how you can make it right

A lot of things start to change as people get older, including the way they sign their names.

If you haven’t updated your voter signature card in awhile, it’s probably a good idea to do so ahead of the general election as voter verification in Florida is highly regulated for mail-in ballots and political petitions.

What you sign today is matched to the signature on file and if it doesn’t match, it won’t be counted.

“If your signature or identifying mark has changed, you must use a Florida Voter Registration Application to update it,” the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website states.

The form can be printed directly from the website or picked up at the elections office, 600 301 Blvd. W., suite 108, Bradenton, as well as at public libraries.

Mail-in ballots will begin being sent out around Sept. 24 and voter signature updates must be completed and received by the elections office before mail-in ballots are canvassed in order to be accepted.

Signature updates can be mailed back to the elections office or hand delivered.

The Florida Voter Registration Application also can be used if your name has legally changed, you want to change your party registration or if you have changed your address.

For more information, visit vote.manatee.com or call 941-741-3823.

This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 9:25 AM.