I always vote absentee since the new rules were established.  When are absentee ballots counted?  I constantly hear that absentee ballots are not counted immediately or on the night of the election unless there is a close race.
Jim P.

Dear Jim:

Under Florida Law--Florida Statutes 102.141(4)—absentee ballots may begin being canvassed on the 4th day prior to the election (Friday) including processing them through the tabulators.  However, the time frame for beginning to process the absentee ballots may vary depending on the size of the county.  All 67 of the state’s county supervisors of elections are prohibited from releasing the absentee ballot results until after 7:00 p.m. election night.

All absentees are counted regardless of how close the race ends up being.  Absentee results must be included in the first set of unofficial returns filed with the Division of Elections no later than noon the 3rd day after the primary or noon the 5th day after the general election.

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