ELECTIONS: ABSENTEE VOTING HAS BEGUN

The Cape Girardeau county clerk's office sent out 207 ballots for the Nov. 7 presidential election this week, which marked the start of absentee voting.

Patty Schlosser, election supervisor, said two already have been returned. Absentee voting began Tuesday, exactly six weeks before the election.

People who are ill, disabled or unable to get to the polls in November due to travel or unavoidable circumstances may submit written, signed requests for absentee ballots. They can vote at the clerk's offices in Cape Girardeau or Jackson from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. The offices also will be open from 9 a.m.-noon on Nov. 4.

If absentee voters return the ballots by mail, the special envelopes provided must be signed and notorized, Schlosser said. The only exceptions are people who are physically disabled or chronically ill.

For more information, contact the clerk's office at 243-3547.