Absentee ballots available

SANDPOINT — Absentee ballots are now available for the May 23 primary election at the Bonner County clerk's office, which is located in the Bonner County Courthouse. The office is open continuously from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.

Applications for an absentee ballot can be obtained online through the clerk's webpage located at Hyperlink "http://www.co.bonner.id.us" www.co.bonner.id.us.

You may also request an absentee ballot by writing directly to the clerk's office. Written requests must include the name and location address of the voter as well as the mailing address to which the ballot needs to be sent. All requests must be dated and signed by each individual voter. Spouses cannot sign for their partners.

Friday, April 28 is the last day to pre-register for the primary election. However, election day registration is also available. Those wishing to register need to provide the clerk's office with photo identification that shows their physical address location within the precinct.

Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for registration purposes. A downloadable registration card is also available on the clerk's website at Hyperlink "http://www.co.bonner.id.us" www.co,bonner.id.us.

Those attempting to register by mail must provide a photo copy of their valid Idaho driver's license showing the required information. No absentee ballot can be mailed until the registration process has been properly completed.

The last day that a mailed request for an absentee ballot can be honored is May 17. After that date, all absentees must be request in person at the clerk's office. The absolute last day to obtain an absentee ballot is May 22.

All absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on election day in order to be counted. Anyone obtaining an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office must vote that ballot at the clerk's office. They cannot take them out of the office.

Those wishing to vote in the privacy of their own home should request to have the ballot mailed to their residence prior to the May 17 cut-off date.

During the May 23 primary election, polling places will be open continuously from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The location of polling places can also be found on the clerk's website.

Voters in both the Selle and Westmond precincts will have new polling places to use, as the old grange halls have been sold and are now private residences. In Selle, voters will now go to the Northside Christian Fellowship Church. Voters from the Westmond precinct will now vote at the Cocolalla Bible Camp.