What ’curing’ a vote-by-mail ballot means and how to check if yours needs to be done

In 32 states, voters will cast their ballots by mail in the 2022 midterm elections, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

But for those who vote by mail for the first time, the process can be confusing. One of the most common questions voters have is what “curing” a ballot means.

Curing a ballot is the process of correcting an error on a mail-in ballot so that it can be counted.

Common errors include forgetting to sign the ballot envelope, not providing a valid ID number, or marking the ballot incorrectly. In most states, voters have a few days to cure their ballot, usually by providing the missing information or correcting the error.

Here’s how to check if your ballot needs to be cured:

1. Check your state’s election website to see if there is a way to track your ballot. Some states will send you an email or text message if your ballot needs to be cured, while others will allow you to check the status of your ballot online.
2. If your state does not offer a way to track your ballot, you can call your local election office to inquire about the status of your ballot.
3. If you are notified that your ballot needs to be cured, you will need to follow the instructions provided by your election office. In most cases, you will need to provide the missing information or correct the error on your ballot and return it to the election office by a certain deadline.

Curing a ballot is a simple process, but it is important to do so as soon as possible to ensure that your vote is counted.