Orange County election officials report that fewer than 13% of registered voters have requested mail ballots for the upcoming November 3 midterm election. The drop follows the implementation of Senate Bill 90, which requires voters to submit a new mail‑ballot request for every election, ending the practice of automatically rolling over prior requests.
New law changes the landscape
Senate Bill 90, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2021, made all mail‑ballot requests expire on December 31, 2022. This is the first midterm election in which voters who assumed they would automatically receive a ballot must file a fresh request. The law’s intent, according to its sponsors, is to ensure that only voters who actively confirm their desire to vote by mail receive ballots, thereby reducing the risk of outdated or fraudulent requests.
Statewide numbers show similar trends
Across Florida, more than 1.8 million mail ballots have been requested as of Sept. 29, but the number of ballots actually mailed has declined. In the 2022 primary, 1.75 million mail ballots were cast; this year only 1.24 million were returned, marking a significant reduction in mail‑ballot usage.
Orange County’s mailing figures
Comparing the initial mail‑ballot mailings in Orange County shows a sharp contraction. In the 2018 midterm, 144,813 ballots were sent. That rose to 197,291 in 2022, a 37% increase. This year, however, only about 105,000 ballots have been mailed, a 47% drop from the previous cycle.
Officials explain the process
Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel told WESH 2 that the county uses a system called BallotTrack to monitor each step of the mail‑ballot process—from mailing to receipt, verification, and counting. “We track it!” she said, emphasizing that the technology helps ensure transparency and accuracy.
How to request a mail ballot
Voters who wish to receive a mail ballot must submit a new request by Oct. 22 if they want the ballot mailed directly to their home. Requests can also be made in person at the local supervisor of elections office. Once mailed, ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3, to be counted.
Early voting remains popular
Statewide data indicate that more Floridians are voting early in person than by mail. The August primary saw higher in‑person turnout than mail‑ballot returns for the first time since the pandemic began, suggesting that the new law may be encouraging voters to use early‑voting locations.
What this means for voters
Citizens should verify whether they have an active mail‑ballot request and, if not, file a new one promptly. The BallotTrack system allows voters to check the status of their ballot online, providing peace of mind that their vote will be counted.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
