Voter registration, mail in ballot request deadline nearing for November General election
Election Day – Nov. 3 – is right around the corner and as the days roll by, deadlines are nearing closer to ensure voters are registered to cast their ballot. For those who are needing to request a ballot by mail the deadline is Oct. 23.
“The ballots by mail requests must be received by this date; do not wait. Request an application from the elections office now,” Jodi Duck, Howard County Election’s Administrator said.
Those who are requesting a ballot by mail must be 65 or older, disabled or expected to be out of the country on Election Day and be able to provide an out of country address. The ballots will be mailed the last week of September and will need to be returned by Nov.3. Due to a change made in 2017, there will not be straight party voting in this year’s General Election. While the change was made in the last legislative session, this is the first election where it will be implemented.
Also, due to the Governor’s Proclamation issued on July 27, voters are able to hand deliver their own ballot to the office as long as it’s received by 7 p.m. Nov. 3 (Election Day). The ballot will need to be delivered to the voting clerk at the Courthouse and a photo ID must be shown when turning in the ballot.
“Sample ballots will be available around mid-September for those wanting to look over the ballot before Election Day,” Duck said. “Sample ballots will be able to be brought to the voting booths, but no cell phones will be allowed past the designated area. Voters can bring notes or sample ballots when voting, but no electronic devices can be used while casting their vote. Refrain from wearing candidate or election slogans, as it is unlawful to campaign in the polling locations.”
Early voting is set for Oct. 13 through Oct. 30, which is extended from previous years due to the Governor’s Orders and the emergency declaration due to the current pandemic. Voting will take place weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Oct. 13 through Oct. 28 and from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. Early voting will be taking place in the Third Floor Courtroom at the Howard County Courthouse, in order to allow for social distancing to be practiced as well as more