Google Alert – mail vote covid-19
The August and November elections will have a new twist. Because of the coronavirus, Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation allowing those concerned about going to the polls the option of voting absentee or by a new mail-in option.
“Normally, we receive between 700 to 800 absentee requests for an August election,” Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers told the Southeast Missourian. “I anticipate three to four times that many (requests) this time.”
As of Friday morning, Clark Summers said her office has received 328 requests for absentee ballots. Eight in-person voted absentee.
There are seven excuses listed for voting absentee. Most require a notary. Physical incapacity or confinement because of illness (or caring for someone who is incapacitated or confined) is the notable exception. The coronavirus is the other that does not require a notary. However, there are eight reasons that qualify someone for the COVID-19 excuse: age 65 or older; live in a long-term care facility; have chronic lung disease or moderate-to-severe asthma; have serious heart conditions; are immunocompromised; have diabetes; have chronic kidney disease; or have liver disease.
Those who don’t qualify for an absentee ballot but want to avoid going to the polls on Election Day can request a new mail-in option. These ballots require a notary and must be returned by mail.
Get info to register for absentee in Missouri