Broward to send out 200,000 vote-by-mail ballots for Primary, in sharp decrease from 2020

Broward County is preparing to send out more than 200,000 vote-by-mail ballots ahead of the Aug. 20 Primary. However, that number has significantly decreased since the 2020 election following new voting laws passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature.

A 2021 law canceled preexisting vote-by-mail requests, which, before that, could last for multiple election cycles. While voters were allowed to renew their requests, it seems as if many around the state have not done so.

Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott said similar impacts are being seen in Broward regarding mail ballots, which will begin being sent out Tuesday.

“Over 200,000 domestic Vote-By-Mail ballots will be going out on the 16th from our new state-of-the-art building. This number of requested Vote-By-Mail ballots is approximately one-third the number requested for the 2020 Election,” Scott said.

“The decrease in requested ballots is due, in part, to the recent change in Florida law. We hope more voters will take advantage of the option to Vote-By-Mail by visiting our website and renewing their request.”

Scott will hold a media event Tuesday morning at 9:30 at the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office to showcase mail ballots being sent out.

Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 20, to be counted.