Idaho Secretary of State outlines absentee ballot scenarios

Bonners Ferry — There has been a lot of confusion surrounding absentee ballots in the 2020 general election. In an effort to answer everyone's questions and provide a clear explanation on how to vote if you've received an absentee ballot, the Idaho Secretary of State released examples of the following scenarios.

Scenario One: An elector comes into a polling place and wants a new ballot. He requested an Absentee ballot, marked it up, mailed it back to the County Clerk’s office where it was received as valid in the system

In this scenario, the elector cannot have his ballot rescinded. This would be impossible given the Idaho Constitution’s requirement for a secret ballot. Once the signatures have been verified, that ballot is considered the person’s vote.

Scenario Two: An elector comes into a polling place and wants a new ballot. She requested an Absentee ballot but forgot to bring it with her to the polling place

In this scenario, the poll worker can call the County Clerk’s office and have the uncast Absentee ballot spoiled. The elector may now receive a new Ballot and go through the voting process.

Scenario Three: An elector comes into a polling place and wants a new ballot. He requested an Absentee ballot and brought it with him to the polling place. At this stage, the ballot may be marked or unmarked

In this scenario, the poll worker can call the County Clerk’s office and have the uncast Absentee ballot spoiled. The elector may now receive a new Ballot and go through the voting process.

Scenario Four: An elector comes into a polling place and wants a ballot. She may have requested an Absentee Ballot, and not received it (or perhaps the ballot was destroyed or misplaced)

In this scenario, the poll worker can call the County Clerk’s office and have the lost or destroyed Absentee ballot spoiled. The elector may now receive a new Ballot and go through the voting process.