Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting | March 3, 2026

Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting Recap - March 3, 2026

On March 3, 2026, the Board of Elections held a meeting focused on ensuring a smooth and transparent election process amidst a busy election season. This recap provides an overview of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents.

The meeting began with a positive update on Election Day activities. Polls opened promptly, and operations at both polling locations and the central warehouse were running smoothly. The Board acknowledged positive media coverage, indicating a well-managed start to the day. Throughout the meeting, officials reiterated important information for voters: polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and voters in line by the closing time can still cast their ballots. Critically, absentee ballots must be delivered to the Board office by 7:30 PM tonight.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and approving absentee ballots, with a particular focus on a new procedure stemming from a recent court decision (memo 2025-01). This ruling impacts voters who indicate on their absentee ballot that they have "never resided in the country." Under this new guidance, these voters are only eligible to vote in federal contests. The Board unanimously approved a total of 19 absentee ballots: six civilian, fourteen overseas (including one unique case requiring special consideration), and one military ballot. The Board addressed a question from the public regarding this new process, ensuring transparency and clarity for all voters.

Beyond ballot approvals, the Board reviewed historical voting data from previous elections (2024 Presidential and 2022 Midterm) to gain context for current trends. As of 2:00 PM, early voting numbers totaled 30,773 - a figure the Board acknowledged was behind previous primary election turnout at this stage. They also noted that 3,656 voters had cast ballots by 10:00 AM.

Key Decisions & Votes: The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and deferred approval of the minutes until after the election to allow for thorough review.

What's Next & Why It Matters: Following the meeting, Board staff will continue processing absentee ballots received at the office and from the post office, with a final check scheduled around 5:00 PM. The Board will reconvene at 7:30 PM to finalize any remaining ballots. Importantly, the Board will integrate the new "never resided in the country" ballot handling process into future elections.

For Residents: If you haven't already, ensure your absentee ballot is returned to the Board office by 7:30 PM tonight. If you plan to vote in person, remember polls are open until 7:30 PM. The Board's diligence in reviewing ballots and adapting to legal changes ensures that every eligible voter has a fair opportunity to participate in this election.

This recap aims to provide citizens with a clear understanding of the Board's actions and their impact on the election process.