By K.D. Norris
With election day now less than four weeks away, Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons announced this week her office’s Kent County Votes, a voter education effort which offers county voters information resources “to vote safely and securely up to and on November 3rd.”
Part of that effort is a public service announcement recorded at WKTV Community Media, as well as radio and digital advertisements, and upcoming tele-townhall events will provide voters the opportunity to ask questions of Kent County election administrators.
The effort also includes a redesign of the Kent County Elections website, now accessible via KentCountyVotes.com.
“Your right to vote is sacred, and so is your right to safety,” Posthumus Lyons said in supplied material and the WKTV video. “In Kent County we take both very seriously. COVID-19 has disrupted a lot this year, but it won’t disrupt this fall’s election.”
Four tips for voters
According to a statement from the clerk’s office, there are four aspects of the Nov. 3 election voters should be aware of:
Whether voters cast their ballots in-person at the polls or cast an absentee ballot, their vote will be counted this year. Clerks across the county are busy modifying polling places to adhere to CDC safety and social distancing guidelines as well. It will be safe to vote in person. Polling locations can be found at kentcountyvotes.com.
Recent election law changes make registering and voting easier than ever before. Every registered voter now has the right to vote absentee without needing an excuse. Also, citizens can register right up to and even on election day at their local clerk’s office, and still cast their ballot. However, it is highly encouraged to register before election day.
Those choosing to vote absentee have three options for returning their ballots: hand deliver a completed ballot to your city or township clerk’s office; return the ballot by mail, but plan accordingly by mailing the ballot back at least 7-10 before Election Day; or drop your ballot off in a designated secure drop box in the city or township where the voter is registered. Drop box locations can be found at kentcountyvotes.com.
Posthumus also reminds voters to “be patient when it’s time for results … The Clerk’s office expects a larger-than-ever number of absentee ballots, which might mean waiting a little longer for results. Kent County election officials will work as quickly as possible to report complete and accurate election results.”
