Early absentee voting has started

BLOOMFIELD — In this year’s primary election, Stoddard County residents are making their voices heard through early absentee voting.

During the Stoddard County Commission meeting Monday, County Clerk Cecil Weeks reported 224 early absentee votes have been cast. It was learned 61 residents voted in the main office.

Weeks said, “We are expecting a big turnout.”

Six weeks prior to an election, registered voters who expect to be unable to go to their polling place on Nov. 5, may vote an absentee ballot. By law, absentee voters must provide one of the following reasons for voting absentee:

• Absence on election day

• Incapacity or confinement due to illness on election day

• Physically disabled and their caregivers who reside at the same address on election day

• Religious belief or practice

• Election workers, first responders, law enforcement and health care workers

• Incarceration

• Certified participation in the address confidentiality program for safety concerns

The Stoddard County Clerk’s office, located at 401 S. Prairie St. in Bloomfield, has transformed into a hub of democratic activity. Voters may cast their early absentee ballots at the main office 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday The last day to vote absentee in-person by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.

Voters may return their absentee ballots by mail. It was learned voters will receive a return envelope and directions for voting the ballot will be provided. When voting absentee by mail, the ballot return envelope must be notarized before returning it to the election authority.

Mailed absentee ballots must be received in the county clerk’s office by 7 p.m. Election Day.