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Pike County voters are taking advantage of early voting opportunities for the 2020 general election on Nov. 3

In-person absentee voting for the 2020 Presidential Election is underway the Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Pike County Courthouse from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

To request and complete an absentee ballot, voters must bring a photo ID. The circuit clerk’s office will notarize the ballots of those who vote at the courthouse.

As of Tuesday, the number of absentee ballots filed with the Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office had doubled what was processed in 2016.

Jamie Scarbrough, absentee election manager/circuit clerk, said, over the past week and a half, her office is processing close to 100 ballots per day.

However, the last day to apply for an absentee ballot is today – Oct. 29. The deadline to file an absentee ballot is Nov. 2.

Scarbrough said any qualified elector may vote an absentee ballot by U.S. mail or in person at the absentee election manager’s office by making application in writing and meeting one of several requirements.

The requirements include being out of the county or state on Election Day, having a physical illness or infirmity that would prevent one’s attendance at the polls, being a student enrolled at an institution outside the voting area and others.

Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a declared state of emergency, any qualified voter who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote at their polling place is eligible to check the box on the absentee ballot application that is most applicable. If none of the boxes are appropriate, voters may check the second box on the application that reads: I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls.

Scarbrough said an ID is required.