Curing Ballots

Every valid vote matters, and sometimes a simple error on your Vote by Mail Ballot envelope can prevent your ballot from being counted. Curing is the process that lets you fix certain problems so your ballot can still be counted.

What Is Ballot Curing?

Ballot curing is the opportunity for a voter to correct specific errors on a Vote by Mail Ballot envelope after it has been submitted. The most common reasons a ballot may require curing are:

  • Missing signature: the ballot envelope was not signed.
  • Signature mismatch: the signature on the envelope does not match the signature on file.

In California, election officials compare the signature on the ballot envelope with the signature(s) on file. If there’s a missing or mismatched signature, the Registrar of Voters' office will notify you and give you a chance to cure the issue before a specified deadline.

How You’ll Be Notified

If your ballot has a curable issue, the Registrar of Voters will send you a notice by mail (and possibly by email or phone, if provided on the affidavit of registration) explaining the problem and what you need to do next. It’s important to respond as soon as possible.

Steps to Cure Your Ballot

1. Read your notice carefully. Your notice will tell you why your ballot couldn’t be counted and what form you need to complete.

 

2. Complete the required form. The Signature Verification Statement and Instructions Form allows you to provide your signature so our office can verify it against your registration records.

 

August 18, 2026 Congressional District 14 Special General Election

Click here to download the "Signature Verification Statement and Instructions" Form for the August 18th Election.

 

3. Return the form to the office by the deadline. You can usually return your form in a number of ways:

  • Mail the completed form back to the Registrar of Voters.
Alameda County Registrar of Voters
ATTN: VBM Curing
1225 Fallon St., Room G-1
Oakland, CA 94612
 
  • In Person – You may return it to any vote center or any ballot drop box within the county before 8:00 PM on Election Day, or to our office by the return deadline listed below.
  • Email or fax the form.

Note: The deadline to return curing forms varies by election.

 

August 18, 2026 Congressional District 14 Special General Election

The deadline to return the completed form is 2-days before the election is certified.

 

4. Track your ballot status. Alameda County offers ballottrax, an online tool that lets you track whether your ballot has been received, accepted, or requires further action.

 

Important Things to Know

  • If you don’t cure a ballot with a missing or mismatched signature by the deadline, the ballot will not be counted.
  • Providing your signature on the cure form may also update the signature on your voter registration record for future elections.
  • Acting promptly after receiving a notice gives you the best chance of having your vote counted.

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