The best way to retain a healthy democracy is to ensure that everyone’s vote counts. And one of the best ways to ensure that is education.

The state Supreme Court recently made several rulings on election-related matters, including the extension of the mail ballot counting deadline, the use of drop boxes and a decision to boot the Green Party off the ballot.

But another matter decided by the court was to throw out “naked ballots,” a move that some said could result in chaos on Election Day and afterward.

The state’s mail voting system requires two envelopes. Voters must first place their ballot into a “secrecy envelope” that includes no identifying information on it, and then place that envelope into a larger mailing envelope that the voter signs.

Those ballots sent in that haven’t followed this process — known as “naked ballots” — will be thrown out. In other words, the vote won’t count.

It’s unlikely there’s relevant data to point out how many ballots could be thrown out in an election like the one we’re about to have because there’s never been one in which this many people will vote by mail. Similar to so many other elements of 2020, it’s uncharted territory.

Of course, like many things in life, people are responsible for their own actions, and like your teacher or parent probably told you at some point in your life: Follow the directions.

The state’s Democratic and Republican party organizations — along with county party groups — would be remiss if they don’t do some outreach to voters to educate them about this process. It’s smart politics, but also preventative medicine to ensure that Election Day and the days that come after aren’t chaotic — and filled with lawsuits and mistrust in the system.

This year has been taxing in many ways for many people — from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic woes — so the last thing anyone needs is an election in which people feel disenfranchised, not due to the result, but because of the process.

We hope that election bureaus, state agencies, political parties and any other entity relevant to the Nov. 3 election engage in outreach to voters to help them understand the voting process, whether they’re casting a ballot in person or through the mail.

— NCD