September 25, 2020
By:
A record number of absentee-by-mail votes are expected locally for the November Presidential Election, according to Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections.
“As of mid-morning Friday, our office had already mailed out 247 absentee ballots,” he said. “In August, 245 absentee ballots were counted and in November four years ago, only 205 absentee ballots were counted. Obviously, we are on pace to set a record for November elections.”
The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 27, but Stanley said it would be wise to make the request as early as possible.
“Once you make receive your ballot, vote it and mail it back in as soon as possible so it is ready to be counted on Election Day,” he said.
Absentee ballots Must be returned by mail. This includes the U.S. Postal Service and services like FedEx and UPS. Each state is different when it comes to election law. Tennessee law does not permit voters to turn in their ballots in-person or for the use of drop boxes.
Also in Tennessee, voters must have a legal reason listed in the law to be eligible to vote absentee by mail. Call the election office for more information or log onto www.dekalbelections.com or https://sos.tn.gov/elections for more information.
Stanley also said early voting is a convenient way to vote in the upcoming election.
The early voting period in Tennessee begins October 14 and lasts until October 29. In DeKalb County the voting hours during that period are—Mondays 1 to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to Noon. On two days during that time—Friday Oct. 23 and Thursday Oct. 29—the time will be expanded and start one hour earlier.
To avoid a potential delay in voting early or on election day, voters also need to make sure the election office has their current address.
“If you have moved since you last voted, you may have to vote at a different location on November 3,” Stanley said. “Keep in mind, if you have moved and did not notify our office, you will have paperwork to fill out on election day and you may have to go to a different place to vote.”
Voters are also reminded that a registration does not transfer from one county to another.
“If you have moved from another county into DeKalb, you must register in DeKalb County by the registration deadline” he continued. “You may register at the local election office or online by October 5.”