Finished filling out your Arizona ballot? That’s when you can send it back

Election day is approaching. If you plan to mail your ballot, it’s time to vote in Arizona.

All ballots must be received by 7:00 pm on Election Day to be counted. If you are mailing your ballot back, you should mail it at least five to seven days before Election Day to ensure it arrives on time. This year, the last date recommended to mail it back is October 29th.

If you are a rural voter, consider giving him some extra time. In some remote areas of the state, postal workers transport ballots across county and state lines to larger cities for sorting and then have to deliver them back to county election officials.

Here’s what you need to know about how to return your ballot and make sure it counts.

Do I need a stamp for my mail-in ballot?

Postage is prepaid, so your ballot does not require a stamp.

If I miss the deadline, will I be able to vote?

You can still vote by dropping off your ballot in a secure ballot box or voting in person at a polling place. It is not recommended to return your ballot by mail after October 29 as it may not reach election officials in time to be counted.

Where are the ballot drop boxes near me?

Most Arizona counties offer at least a few of these boxes. Some are located inside polling stations and are only accessible when those polling stations are open. Others are located outdoors and are available to voters at any time.

To find ballot drop boxes in your area, check the box your county election website.

The Maricopa County Recorder offers voting locations and mailbox information on your website.

When is the last day of voting?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. Polling stations are open on this day from 6:00 to 19:00.

If you mail your ballot back or drop it off, it must be received by 7 p.m. to be counted.

If you are voting in person, you must be in line by 7:00 p.m. to vote.

Some counties assign polling places to voters based on their polling place. Others use a vote center model, where voters can go to any polling station in their county to vote. Check with your county election officials for details.

Can I check the status of my ballot?

Yes. Maricopa County voters can track their ballots online BeBallotReady.Vote. Pima County voters can track their ballots at county registrar’s website. Voters in other parts of Arizona can track their ballots through BulletinTrax.

Will election officials contact me if there is a problem with my ballot?

Yes. If election officials are unable to verify the signature on the outside of your early ballot envelope, they will attempt to contact you to verify that you were the person who filled it out.

That’s why there’s a place on the early voting envelope for your phone number so that if election officials have questions, they can contact you.

If you receive a message from election officials, be sure to respond as quickly as possible. State law provides a limited time frame to correct mismatched signatures and ensure your ballot is counted.

Still have questions?

The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office provides contact information for representatives of election commissions by district.

All voters can contact the Secretary of State’s Office at 1-877-THE-VOTE or 602-542-8683.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and elections administration for the Arizona Republic. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Subscribe to her weekly campaign newsletter, Republican recount.