Q&A
Absentee ballot signature review process and recent improvements
1:29:50
·
114 sec
Council Member Carr and Executive Director Ryan discuss the signature review process for absentee ballots and recent improvements in the canvassing process. Ryan explains the benefits of reviewing absentee ballots ahead of election day.
- Every absentee ballot signature is reviewed as required by statute
- Canvassing absentee ballots before election day has enhanced the process
- Signature review is done by bipartisan teams, with an escalation process for disputes
- The process is less frantic now due to reviewing ballots at specific intervals as they come in
David M. Carr
1:29:50
I was one of the ones that had it in my Google Wallet.
1:29:52
I enjoyed that process a lot.
1:29:54
And I I you know, my Buff card signature is still Catholic school's cursive, and that's not what my signature looks like anymore.
1:30:00
So I I appreciate those efforts.
1:30:02
But with respect to absentee ballots, the board is required by statute, I think, to do a review of every signature that comes in.
1:30:09
That's that's what takes place every election contest?
Michael Ryan
1:30:11
Yes.
1:30:12
And because of Although we had some, trepidation, when the change in law was made to, require the canvassing of absentee ballots ahead of election day, It has in fact been, an enhancement to our efforts.
1:30:30
In the past, we used to have, you know, in this case, you know, over 300,000, almost 400,000 absentee ballots and affidavits to review post election in a very, rapid, process to get ready for, and especially in a presidential year, to be ready for, certification and make sure that the electoral college can be properly set.
1:30:54
Now we do them, at specific intervals as they come in, and the process is not as frenetic.
1:31:00
But it's still the same thing, that I discussed earlier, whether it be at the poll site or or at the, or or in the office on an absentee ballot.
1:31:10
The gateway to the ballot is the signature.
1:31:12
And that signature review process has to be done, has to be completed by individuals who are not necessarily handwriting experts.
1:31:20
And it really is, does it pass the visual test, and does it pass the visual test on a bipartisan basis?
1:31:27
And if not, there is an escalation process that could go potentially, well, it could go potentially up to the, deputy chief and chief clerk of the borough or even the commissioners.
1:31:38
Now in my 11 years here, it's never gotten to the commissioners, but it could.
1:31:42
That's the way it's written in the policy.
David M. Carr
1:31:43
Appreciate it.
