Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Deadline Approaching for In-Person Absentee Voting

Voters at a city polling place casting absentee ballots

News Summary

Starkville and Columbus are approaching the deadline for in-person absentee voting for upcoming municipal general elections. Voters have until this Saturday at noon to cast their ballots. Columbus has already seen 465 absentee ballots, while Starkville reported 104. Residents traveling on election day, those with disabilities, and voters over 65 qualify for early voting. Municipal offices in both cities will be open for voting this Saturday. For those unable to vote in person, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday to count.

Time is Ticking for In-Person Absentee Voting in Starkville and Columbus!

Hey there, Starkville and Columbus! The countdown has officially begun as we quickly approach the deadline for in-person absentee voting for our municipal general elections. If you haven’t made it to the polls yet, you need to act fast—this Saturday at noon is when the doors close!

Important Absentee Voting Details You Need to Know

In Columbus, Registrar Brenda Williams shared that so far, voters have cast a total of 465 absentee ballots and counting! Meanwhile, in Starkville, City Clerk Lesa Hardin has reported 104 absentee ballots received. It seems that many of you are taking advantage of the option to vote early, which is fantastic!

So, who qualifies for in-person absentee voting? Well, if you are going to be away from your municipality on election day for any reason, you’re in luck! This means traveling out of town, working during polling hours, or being on-call all make the cut. Additionally, voters with a temporary or permanent disability, as well as those over the age of 65, can also cast their ballots in person before the big day!

Where to Go for Absentee Voting

Ready to vote absentee in Starkville? Head on over to the City Clerk’s office located at 110 West Main Street. They’ll be open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Make sure you don’t miss your chance!

In Columbus, you can visit the city registrar’s office at 1605 Main St.. They are keeping their doors open during normal business hours and will also be ready to assist you this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. So get that ballot in!

Exciting Races on the Ballot

Turning our attention to Columbus, the mayoral race is heating up too. Current Ward 5 Councilman Stephen Jones (Democrat) is vying against independents Bill Strauss and Darren Leach. Additionally, there are several council races to keep an eye on. In Ward 1, incumbent Ethel Stewart (Democrat) takes on current Mayor Keith Gaskin (Independent). The Ward 4 race features Lavonne Harris (Democrat) facing incumbent Pierre Beard, an independent. In Ward 5, it’s Gary Jefferson (Democrat) versus Mary Beth Jeter (Republican), while Ward 6 is shaping up to be a contest between Jason Spears (Republican) and Donald Pope (Independent). All these candidates are stepping up to the plate to serve our community, and your vote counts!

Don’t Forget About Mail-In Voting!

If after all this info you’re still not able to vote in person, don’t worry! You can still make your voice heard with a mail-in absentee ballot. Just remember, these ballots need to be postmarked by Tuesday and received within five days after the election to count. So check your mail systems and don’t delay!

So, whether you chose to vote absentee or plan to head to the polls on election day, make sure your voice is heard! Good luck to all the candidates, and let’s make this election one to remember!