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Secretary of State John H. Merrill has officially extended the opportunity for any qualified voter who is concerned about contracting or spreading the coronavirus to cast an absentee ballot rather than go to the polls on Election Day, August 25.

Those who choose to take advantage of this extended opportunity to vote an absentee ballot may do so by checking the box which reads: I have a physical or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the poll, if no other box applies. An ID is required.

For the August 25, municipal elections, the deadline to register to vote is Monday, August 10. The deadline to submit an absentee ballot application is Thursday, August 20, and the deadline to hand-deliver an absentee ballot is the close of business Monday, August 24. If an absentee ballot is returned by mail, it must be postmarked by August 24 and received by noon on August 25.

If necessary, runoff elections will be held on Tuesday, October 6.

Linda Faust, Brundidge city clerk, said due to COVID-19, Merrill is making it possible  for everyone who wants to vote to do so.

“Because some people may not feel comfortable going to the polls on  August 25,  Secretary of State John Merrell is providing the opportunity for any qualified voter to vote an absentee ballot,” Faust said.

Absentee ballots may be voted by mail or on-site at city hall in Troy, Brundidge, Goshen or Banks.

“On-site absentee voting allows voters to vote without going through the mailing process so a large number of voters is expected to take advantage of this opportunity,” Faust said.

Faust said those who vote on-site cannot be required to wear a mask when they vote but a mask is required when entering Brundidge City Hall.

“On Election Day, every precaution will be taken to keep our poll workers and voters safe at the polling sites,” Faust said.

“Social distancing will be required and poll workers will be behind Plexiglas shields and will also have the option of wearing a plastic face shield.”

Even though masks are not required for voters, doing so is a personal choice.

“The pens used by voters will not be reused,” Faust said. “Voters may take the pens with them or dispose of them.”

For questions, contact local city government officials.