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Warning: Protect Your Absentee Ballot From Fraud

Miami (CBSMiami) – Voters in Miami-Dade County are on notice to protect their absentee ballots from con men and political opportunists.

Absentee ballots have been mailed out for the Tuesday, November 19th special runoff election in Miami.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has come forward to ask voters to protect the sanctity of their ballot. "Some individuals may approach you with some highly questionable propositions regarding your absentee ballot," Rundle said in a statement.

Rundle's office had this advice for voters:

• If you received an absentee ballot that you did not request, there may be something else involved. Call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300 and speak with my staff. Such a small step may help avoid potential election improprieties.

• If someone offers to fill out your ballot for you, get their name and ask them who are they working for but politely refuse their assistance. Then call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300.

• If someone (a non-family member) offers to mail your ballot for you, they are committing a crime. Again, get their name and ask them who are they working for but politely refuse their assistance. In Miami-Dade County, the ballot postage is already prepaid. Let the U.S. Postal service safely transmit your ballot. In that way, no one can alter your vote or make a decision for you. Then call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300.

• If anyone offers you money for your vote, they are committing a crime. Again, get their name and ask them who are they working for but politely refuse their assistance. Then call my Absentee Ballot Task Force at 305-547-3300.

"Your vote is your choice," commentated State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Don't let anyone take that choice away from you with a nod or a wink or a promise. Too many people have struggled too long to put that ballot in your hand. As you vote with an eye to the future, remember those who have sacrificed their blood to put that vote in your hand. Handle it carefully and vote with pride."

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