BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — As the Nov. 7 General Election draws nearer, Martin County Clerk and Board of Elections Chairman Susie Skyle has issued reminders for all residents intending to cast their ballots.

“Mark your calendars with these dates so you can participate in the election,” Skyles said.

Deadline to register

Skyles said residents must be registered to vote by 4 p.m. on the Oct. 10 deadline.

Residents can register in the Martin County Clerk’s Office or govoteky.com.

“If you are not registered on or before this date, you are not eligible to request an absentee ballot or vote in person during the Election,” said Skyles.

The clerk noted that residents aged 17 can register to vote if they will be 18 years old by Nov. 7.

Voters can also update their registration during this time.

Absentee ballots

Those unable to vote in person on Election Day can request an absentee ballot. The online portal opened Saturday and will remain accessible until Oct. 24, 11:59 p.m. local time.

For access to the portal, residents can visit govoteky.com.

“In special circumstances, such as a medical emergency, voters can submit a paper application for an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office,” said Skyles. This provision is available from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1.

Skyles’ office must receive mail-in absentee ballots before 6 p.m. on Election Day.

“Voters can mail their ballots or put them in the drop-box outside my office in the Martin County Government Center,” stated Skyles.

Voting

Excused, in-person absentee voting on the machine is available Oct. 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 and Nov. 1 in the Martin County Clerk’s Office. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

No-excuse, in-person absentee voting on the machine is available Nov. 2, 3, 4 in the Martin County Clerk’s Office. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Election Day voting Nov. 7 is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at five polling places in Martin County:

• Martin County Middle School

• Pigeon Roost Community Center

• Inez Elementary School

• Eden Elementary School

• Martin County Government Center

Voters can cast their ballots at any one of these locations, regardless of their home precincts.