Will my vote count?

The written request for an absentee ballot, the ballot, and certificate envelope must all be completed properly for the votes to be counted.  Missing signature, missing witness information, unsealed envelope, late delivery by the post office, and torn or taped envelopes are a few of the errors that can result in failure.  In the most recent election in the Town of Dunn,  97% of absentee ballots were counted and 3% were rejected.  Voters casting ballots in person on Election Day had the opportunity to correct any errors, which resulted in 100% of in-person votes being counted.  We believe that every vote should count - that's 100% not 97%

What if the scanner doesn't read my absentee ballot? 

In the most recent election, 5% of the absentee ballots were defective and could not be read by the scanner.  Failures occur when voters do not use a number 2 pencil to mark their ballots or when the folds in the ballot interfere with the scan.  Election Inspectors remade these defective ballots and the votes were counted.  Remade ballots are marked for identification in the event of a recount.

My name is on the envelope, will someone know how I voted?

Election Inspectors must announce your name and address aloud in the polling place, before they open your envelope.  They take measures to avoid looking at how you voted.

Should I vote absentee by mail or in the Clerk's office?

Vote by mail if you cannot visit the Clerk's office prior to the election.  Otherwise, you may wish to vote absentee in-person at the Clerk's office Monday through Friday during the two weeks prior to any election.  Our staff will provide instructions, a special ballot marking pen, and will verify and witness your certificate envelope, thereby eliminating many of the common errors.

Should I vote absentee to avoid long lines on Election Day? 

During the 2008 Presidential Election, the wait was less than 10 minutes most of the day.  The longest wait times were 15-20 minutes and occurred around 6PM.  Other elections rarely have a wait.

Only you can decide whether to vote absentee or in person on Election Day.  For most people, voting on Election Day is efficient, and error free.  If you choose to vote absentee, follow the instructions carefully.  

·           Use a number 2 pencil to mark your ballot

·           Seal the certificate envelope carefully

·           Make sure to sign the certificate envelope and have it witnessed

·           Follow all the instructions provided

Link to: Application for Absentee Ballot