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By: Donnamy Steele

As the Primary Runoff Election approaches, so does the absentee ballot application deadline. In order to protect the safety and well-being of our voters, Secretary Merrill encourages those who are concerned about contracting or spreading the coronavirus to apply for and cast an absentee ballot for the upcoming election.

Absentee ballot applications can be found online or obtained through your local absentee election manager’s office. Sabrina Lee explained how to beat the deadline in time to vote in the upcoming election.

“The last day to mail it back and postmark it is July 13, 2020. If the envelope is postmarked for July 13, you will still be eligible to vote,” Lee said. “If you are hand-delivering the absentee ballot, you will need to hand it in no later than the end of the business day on July 13. These can be sent to the Circuit Clerk, Amy Jones.”

According to a press release provided by the office of the Merrill, “Due to the declared states of emergency, any qualified voter who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote at their polling place shall be eligible to check the box on the absentee ballot that is most applicable to the individual. In the case none of the boxes are appropriate, voters can check the box which reads as follows: ‘I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. [ID REQUIRED]’”

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is July 9.