Board of Elections: Many Taking Advantage of Early Voting Opportunities

Brenda Little and Shelly Ziegler use the voting machines set up at the Marion County Board of Elections.

Early voting for the 2014 General Election began October 7 and will continue through November 3 for all registered voters in Ohio. According to Dave Little, Director of the Marion County Board of Election, the number of voters taking advantage of the opportunity to voter early has increased significantly in this election period over the last two elections.

“On October 7, the first day we were allowed to mail absentee ballots, we mailed 2,588 ballots,” explained Little. “We are now seeing a steady flow of voters in our office over the first three days of the absentee voting period.”

Little attributed the increase in activity to the absentee voter applications mailed by the Secretary of State to every registered voter, increased interest in the state-wide races, and voters having a greater level of comfort with the absentee voting process.

It is very easy and convenient to vote early, said Little. Early voting can be done by mail or in person at the office of the Board of Elections, located in the County Administration Building at 222 W. Center Street.

“If a registered voter wishes to receive their ballot by mail, all they have to do is send an application for an absentee ballot to our office,” stated Little. “We will mail their ballot to their home.  We provide written instructions and a return envelope for the voter’s convenience.”

For those individuals wishing to vote on the voting machines, voters may come to the Board of Elections office, fill out an application, and vote immediately.

Many voters like to vote early for a variety of reasons, said Little. Some do so to avoid waiting at polling locations. Others like the convenience of voting without ever leaving their homes.

“No one knows what may occur on Election Day with the weather or personal issues that may arise” said Little.  “Voting early means you can avoid any unplanned issue or concern that may arise on Election Day.”

The schedule for voting absentee during the 2014 General Election are:

• Tuesday through Friday – October 7-10 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
• Tuesday through Friday – October 14-17 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday through Friday – October 20-24 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
• Saturday – October 25 – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Monday through Friday – October 27-31 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday – November 1 – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday – November 2 – 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday – November 3 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For further information on the 2014 General Election, please visit the Marion County Board of Elections website at www.marionelections.com.