THE CENTER FOR VOTER INFORMATION, a non-profit that helps register voters — RICHMOND, Va. -- The Center for Voter Information, a non-profit that helps register voters, recently sent vote-by-mail applications to Virginia voters, but many of the return envelopes provided were directed to the wrong election offices.
The issue affects Fairfax City and Fairfax County, Franklin City and Franklin County, Richmond City and Richmond County, and Roanoke City and Roanoke County.
"Approximately half a million applications sent to eligible voters in Virginia included incorrect information, and we are working diligently to address the issues," a statement by The Center for Voter Information said. "Mistakes in our programming are very rare, but we take them seriously, and our methods overall are extraordinarily effective."
"We know voters are on high alert as the November election approaches, and we regret adding to any confusion. Please rest assured that we are working with local election officials in Virginia to re-direct the vote by mail applications to the proper locations, and will rectify any errors at our own expense.”
The Department of Elections said that they are aware that voters in multiple localities that received an absentee ballot application were given pre-paid return envelopes addressed to the incorrect registrar’s office.
"The Virginia Department of Elections encourages all voters that would like to receive an absentee ballot for the November election to apply electronically on our website," the DOE said.
Any applications that arrive in the wrong locality's office will be forwarded immediately to the correct office for processing.
If you have already applied for an absentee ballot, you do not need to submit a new application. The first day that absentee ballots will be mailed is September 18, 2020.
