Editorial: Don't let your signature cancel your vote

St. Augustine Record
Thursday, January 22, 2009

Florida's next statewide election is the Aug. 24, 2010, primary, about 20 months away.

So why, you ask, are we talking about it now?

Because the office of Supervisor of Elections Penny Halyburton says it is a good time to do some housekeeping on your voter registration -- or to get registered if you aren't -- without the rush of an election just around the corner.

A notice on the home page of the state's Division of Elections Web site -- http://election.dos.state.fl.us/ -- says, "Prepare now for future elections."

If you are registered, don't assume you are good to go. Has your address changed? Have you moved here from another county or state? Has your name changed? Has your signature changed?

Most registered voters know to make changes when they change their name or address. But updating their signature may not be on top of the mind. It is especially important, according to Halyburton's office, if you intend to ever vote absentee. The signature on your absentee ballot must match the signature on your voter registration card.

In St. Johns County's 2008 General Election ballot count, 47 absentee ballots out of 21,000-plus cast did not count because of a bad signature. That's not a lot, but it is 47 votes that could have affected a countywide election. But none were that close.

So if your signature doesn't look the same as it did, say, 10, 15 or 20 years ago, check it out with the elections office. You can do so by mail or in person. The voter registration form can be used for changes in signature, address, name, party affiliation or to register to vote. (Visit your local supervisor of elections website.

Whether or not you think you will ever vote absentee, make the change just in case.

Do it now while it is on your mind.

It's never too early to be sure your vote will count.