§11-104 Ballot instructions; ballot return. (a) After a voter receives a ballot package, the voter shall comply with the instructions included in the ballot package in order to cast a valid vote. The instructions shall include directions for:

(1) Marking the ballot;

(2) Inserting the marked ballot in the secrecy envelope or secrecy sleeve;

(3) Inserting the secrecy envelope or secrecy sleeve with the marked ballot in the return identification envelope; and

(4) Signing the return identification envelope before mailing or delivering the return identification envelope containing the secrecy envelope or secrecy sleeve with the marked ballot.

(b) The instructions shall include information on election fraud and voter fraud, as provided in sections 19-3(5) and 19-3.5, and notice that violation of either section may subject the voter, upon conviction, to imprisonment, a fine, or both.

(c) To cast a valid ballot, the voter shall return the return identification envelope containing the secrecy envelope or secrecy sleeve with the marked ballot:

(1) By mail so that the return identification envelope is received at the office of the clerk no later than the closing time provided in section 11-131 on the date of the election;

(2) By personal delivery at any place of deposit no later than 7:00 p.m. on the date of the election; provided that any voter who is standing in line at a place of deposit at 7:00 p.m. on the date of the election with the intent of returning a ballot and casting a vote shall be allowed to vote; or

(3) By personal delivery to any voter service center no later than the closing time provided in section 11-131 on the date of the election; provided that any voter who is standing in line at a voter service center at the closing time provided in section 11-131 on the date of the election with the intent of returning a ballot and casting a vote shall be allowed to vote.

(d) Once a voter has returned a return identification envelope containing the secrecy envelope or secrecy sleeve with the marked ballot, that voter's ballot shall be deemed cast and may not be recast in the election. [L 2019, c 136, pt of §2]