Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your vote is counted:

Step 1: Read the instructions carefully and mark your ballot. Be sure to complete the front and back of the ballot.

Step 2: Seal your ballot inside the inner secrecy envelope (the smaller one that has Official Election Ballot written on it). Do not make any marks on the inner secrecy envelope. Your ballot MUST be sealed inside the inner secrecy envelope or it will not be counted.

Step 3: Seal the inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed, postage-paid outer return envelope. Complete, sign, and date the voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope. If you do not sign and date below the declaration on the return envelope, your ballot will not be counted!

Step 4: Return your voted ballot to the County Elections Office. Absentee and Mail-in Ballots MUST be received by 8pm on November 5th at the Elections Office to be counted. Postmarks do not count.

• To ensure your ballot is received by the deadline, return the ballot as soon as possible.
• The most secure way to return your ballot is to hand-deliver it anytime before 8pm on Election Day to the Erie County Elections Office in the County Courthouse (located at 140 West 6th St) or put it in the drop box located outside the front of the Courthouse.
• If using the postal service, mail your ballot no later than Wednesday, October 30th to ensure that it arrives on time.
• If you have a disability and need help returning your ballot, you can designate someone to deliver your ballot using the form found here.
• If you change your mind and want to vote in person on Election Day, just bring your mail-in ballot and the outer postage-paid return envelope with you and turn it in to vote at your polling place. If you are missing either of these pieces, you will still be able to vote by provisional ballot.