NewsTampa Bay TimesAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough
Pinellas County election officials advise on handling heat-sealed mail ballot envelopes
Voters who find their mail-in ballot envelopes sealed shut by heat may gently open them, tape them closed, or choose to vote in person. Those opting to vote in person must bring their mail ballot to a polling location to have it voided before receiving a new one.
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This guidance ensures that voters whose mail-in ballot envelopes are damaged by humidity or heat can still cast a valid vote in the 2026 election cycle.
Key Facts
- Mail-in ballots must be placed in a certificate envelope and signed by the voter.
- If a return envelope is sealed shut by heat, voters are permitted to gently open it.
- If the envelope does not reseal, voters may tape it shut and return it by mail.
- Voters have the option to vote in person instead of using the mail-in ballot.
- To vote in person after receiving a mail ballot, the voter must bring the mail ballot to the polling location.
- Poll workers will void the mail ballot before issuing a new ballot to the voter.