Teri Weaver is reporting for Syracuse [dot] com election officials in New York are now processing a record number of absentee ballot applications and those ballots started going out last weekend. While completing an absentee ballot is not complicated, a written message or signing in the wrong place can disqualify a vote. Weaver offers some guidance on seven mistakes to avoid so your ballot will count. An absentee ballot mailer contains three items: the ballot, a ballot or affirmation envelope and a return envelope. Onondaga County Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny recommends the following: Do not skip the instructions. Use only pens with blue or black ink. Do not make any extra marks on your ballot. Do not sign the ballot itself — sign the back of the ballot envelope. Do not forget to seal the ballot envelope. Do not forget the stamp. Do not delay getting your ballot out the door. Boards of election statewide have a secure, inside drop point for absentee ballots. Ballots can also be dropped off at any polling location during early voting, from October 24 to November 1; or at any polling location on Election Day, November 3. The deadline to apply online, postmark, email or fax a completed application for an absentee ballot is October 27. If that deadline is missed, voters can still apply in person at the county Board of Elections up until Mon., Nov. 2, the day before the election. Read the full story at syracuse [dot] com.