USPS

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - More than 550,000 mail-in ballots from the 2020 primary election were rejected.

In Illinois, 11,709 ballots were denied. Lately, voting by mail has been under scrutiny. During these unprecedented times, millions of Americans are expected to use mail as a form of voting. 

Election experts said first time absentee voters are more likely to make mistakes. Mistakes usually result in rejection ballots. Josh Tanner, the Macon County Clerk, told WAND News the common mistake voters make is not mailing the ballot in time. 

"It has to be post mark(ed) on Election Day," Tanner said. 

Ballots are also rejected when the signature on the certification envelope does not match the voter registration, or there isn't a signature on the certification envelope. During the 2020 primaries, Sangamon County rejected four ballots. Tanner said if one's ballot is rejected, his office has to notify the voter within two days. 

"We'll contact the voter that their ballot's been rejected and the reason it's been rejected," Tanner explained. 

One should reach out to their county clerk on what can be done to fix the problem.  

Tanner also suggested delivering the ballot to an election office if it has not been mailed.Â