Collier County sees sharp drop in mail-in ballot requests this primary

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Early voting continues at polling places across Collier County as new numbers show a dramatic drop in how many people are voting by mail.

State elections data shows a significant decrease in the number of voters requesting mail-in ballots. During the 2022 primaries, more than four million people requested vote-by-mail ballots. This year, it's down to almost two million.

"We've seen a dramatic decrease," said Melissa Blazier, Collier County supervisor of elections.

Blazier points to a state law passed in 2021, which tightened restrictions on vote-by-mail. Before, a request for a ballot was good for two election cycles. Now, voters have to request one for every cycle.

"Folks just assume that they're going to get one because they've gotten one in the past," Blazier said.

Some voters say they don't trust voting by mail after President Donald Trump criticized the practice. The president himself voted by mail this year during a special election in Palm Beach. Joe and Linda Giordano are among those who prefer voting in person.

"Always in person for me," Linda Giordano said.

"There's just been so much bad publicity around voting by mail," Linda Giordano said.

Blazier assures people that voting by mail is secure, pointing out that Florida asks for a voter's date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number and address just to request a ballot.

"There are so many more safeguards in place with voting by mail than even in-person," Blazier said.

Elections staff in Collier County will review the signature on every mail-in ballot and make sure it matches the signature on record. Early voting for the primary continues through Saturday in Collier County.