Absentee ballots now available

SANDPOINT — Absentee balloting for the Nov. 2 general election is under way.

Applications can be presented in person at the Bonner County Elections Office on the third floor of the Bonner County Administration Building or by mail directed to the elections office, 1500 U.S. Highway 2, Suite 337, Sandpoint, ID. 83864.

Applications can be downloaded from the county clerk’s section of the county’s website (www.co.bonner.id.us). Each person requesting a ballot must personally sign their request.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot via mail is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The deadline to cast an absentee ballot at the elections office is 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29.

Once those dates pass, a voter has to report to their regular polling location on Election Day in order to cast a ballot. Voters can locate their polling place by using an Idaho Secretary of State link posted on the county website.

Under a new law passed during the last legislative session, voters in Idaho elections must show a picture identification card at the polls or when requesting an absentee ballot in person. Acceptable forms of ID include an Idaho driver’s license or ID card issued by the Idaho Transportation Department, U.S. passport or federally issued ID card, tribal photo ID or a current student photo ID issued by an Idaho high school or post-secondary educational institution.

Those unable to provide proper ID will have to sign an affidavit attesting to their personal identity.

The elections office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for holidays.