Across the Clarkston area, thousands of senior citizens and others will exercise their right to vote without stepping foot into the polls Nov. 4.
In Independence Township, the clerk’s office has thus far issued 5,078 absentee voter ballots. In the less populated Springfield Township, another 1,446 have already gone out, and 59 voters from Clarkston’s pool of 817 registered voters have requested absentee ballots.
‘Absentee voting is an excellent way to avoid a long wait on Election Day,? said Springfield Township Clerk Nancy Strole. ‘It also helps election inspectors by reducing the number of people in lines at the polls.?
Registered voters may obtain an absentee ballot if they are age 60 or older; unable to vote without assistance at the polls; expecting to be out of town Nov. 4; in jail awaiting arraignment or trial; unable to attend the polls for religious reasons; or working as election inspector outside home precinct. Voters who are eligible can apply for a ballot through Nov. 1.
‘Time is limited. We really don’t want to handle anything by mail at this point,? said Strole. ‘But people can come in and complete the application, and if they’re willing to wait five or 10 minutes, we can issue the ballot right there.?
Voters can take the ballot home or fill it out on the spot. All ballots, Strole said, must be returned to the clerk’s office before polls close at 8 p.m. Nov. 4.
Clerk’s offices will have extended hours Saturday, Nov. 1, for those wishing to apply for an absentee ballot: Independence Township, 9 a.m.-2 p.m; Springfield Township, 9 a.m.-2 p.m; City of the Village of Clarkston, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.