Today is the last day to file an application for an absentee ballot for the March 13 election.

Circuit Clerk Roger Powell said Wednesday at present count, 218 absentee ballots have been returned to the clerk’s office – a figure that includes both Dem-ocrats and Repu-blicans.

He said compared to previous elections, the figure is low.

“I would say that our numbers are lower for this primary, due in part that there are no local elections on the Democratic side, and maybe due to the change in the election date,” he said.

At present count, more than 21,000 residents will be eligible to vote on Super Tuesday.

Absentee applications must be presented today by 5 p.m.

“To vote by absentee ballot, one must submit an application in writing no less than five days prior to the election,” Powell said. “Also, remember the voter must be the one to hand deliver the completed application or ballot back to the clerk’s office. No one else can do it.”

Still, in cases of absolute emergency, one can still vote by absentee ballot, he said.

Powell said those experiencing medical and business emergencies can vote via absentee ballot on March 9 and 12; however, March 12 is the last day for hand-delivered ballots to be returned to the clerk’s office. All mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 12, he said.

For a complete list of criteria and an application, visit the Covington County Courthouse or the state Secretary of State’s Web page at alabamavotes.gov.

For more information, call the clerk’s office at 334-428-2520.