101.65  Instructions to absent electors.--The supervisor shall enclose with each absentee ballot separate printed instructions in substantially the following form:

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE MARKING BALLOT.

1.  VERY IMPORTANT. In order to ensure that your absentee ballot will be counted, it should be completed and returned as soon as possible so that it can reach the supervisor of elections of the county in which your precinct is located no later than 7 p.m. on the day of the election.

2.  Mark your ballot in secret as instructed on the ballot. You must mark your own ballot unless you are unable to do so because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write.

3.  Place your marked ballot in the enclosed secrecy envelope.

4.  Insert the secrecy envelope into the enclosed mailing envelope which is addressed to the supervisor.

5.  Seal the mailing envelope and completely fill out the Voter's Certificate on the back of the mailing envelope.

6.  VERY IMPORTANT. In order for your absentee ballot to be counted, you must sign your name on the line above (Voter's Signature), place the last four digits of your Social Security number in the space provided, and your ballot must be witnessed in either of the following manners:

a.  One witness, who is a registered voter in the state, must affix his or her signature, printed name, address, voter identification number, and county of registration on the voter's certificate. Each witness is limited to witnessing five ballots per election unless certified as an absentee ballot coordinator. A candidate may not serve as an attesting witness.

b.  Any notary or other officer entitled to administer oaths or any Florida supervisor of elections or deputy supervisor of elections, other than a candidate, may serve as an attesting witness.

7.  Mail, deliver, or have delivered the completed mailing envelope. Be sure there is sufficient postage if mailed.

8.  FELONY NOTICE. It is a felony under Florida law to accept any gift, payment, or gratuity in exchange for your vote for a candidate. It is also a felony under Florida law to vote in an election using a false identity or false address, or under any other circumstances making your ballot false or fraudulent.

History.--s. 5, ch. 7380, 1917; RGS 372; CGL 433; s. 1, ch. 25385, 1949; s. 5, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 35, ch. 28156, 1953; s. 23, ch. 29934, 1955; s. 34, ch. 65-380; s. 4, ch. 71-149; s. 9, ch. 72-63; s. 2, ch. 73-105; s. 7, ch. 73-157; ss. 3, 4, ch. 75-174; s. 23, ch. 77-175; s. 2, ch. 81-106; s. 10, ch. 81-304; s. 11, ch. 82-143; s. 7, ch. 83-251; s. 3, ch. 85-226; s. 2, ch. 86-33; s. 589, ch. 95-147; s. 5, ch. 96-57; s. 16, ch. 98-129; s. 33, ch. 99-2.