COLLIER COUNTY — The Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office started sending the first mailing of requested Vote-by-Mail ballots to stateside voters on Sept. 24, for the upcoming general election.

Voters may submit requests online at www.CollierVotes.com under the “Vote-by-Mail” tab. Requests can also be made by calling the Supervisor of Elections office at 239-252-VOTE (8683). By law, ballots cannot be forwarded.

The deadline for voters to request a ballot to be delivered by mail is 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Voted ballots must be physically returned (not just postmarked) to the Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. The United States Postal Service recommends that voters mail their voted ballots at least one week before the due date to account for any unforeseen events such as weather issues and to allow for timely receipt and processing by the elections office. Ballots can be tracked online at www.CollierVotes.com/TrackMyBallot.

The Supervisor of Elections Office will have drop boxes across the county during early voting to ensure that voters are able to securely drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballot — no postage necessary. For locations and accessibility of Vote-by-Mail drop boxes, visit www.CollierVotes.com/Drop-Boxes.

The voter’s signature is required on the outside of the ballot return envelope. The signature on the returned ballot envelope will be compared to the signature on file with the Supervisor of Elections office. Voters can learn more about updating their signature by contacting the office at 239-252-VOTE (8683).

Voters who receive a ballot in the mail and decide to vote in person should bring their marked or unmarked ballot to their polling location so it can be canceled.