Registrars: People should consider voting absentee

With voter registrations in Virginia and North Carolina reaching record numbers of new voters, election officials want voters to consider casting their ballots early rather than wait in long lines on Nov. 4.

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Oct. 28. And beginning today, North Carolina voters can vote early, in person, no excuse needed.

In Virginia, voters may request an absentee ballot if they will be out of town, have a religious obligation, are physically unable to get to the polls, or are working at the polls.

And commuters who will be working on Election Day during the polling times of 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. may apply for an absentee ballot.

"Particularly senior citizens, people with health problems, people who can't stand for long periods of time, they really need to come in and vote absentee," said Ginny Garrett, Chesapeake voter registrar.

Chesapeake is estimating an 85 percent voter turnout, and Garrett said she anticipates long waits as voters are processed before entering the booth.

"I think this election is going to be historic in many ways," she said. "People are very engaged in this election and are excited."

Applications for an absentee ballot request must be in the voter registration office by Oct. 28. More than 31 million ballots will be mailed nationally, the U.S. Postal Service estimates. Voters should mail their ballots at least five days in advance of the due date to ensure the ballots get to registrars on time.

Any ballots from Americans overseas should be sent at least two weeks before Election Day; ballots from service members stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan should be mailed in by Oct. 30.

For more information about absentee voting in Virginia, visit the state Web site at www.sbe.virginia.gov/.

In North Carolina, early voting begins today and ends at 1 p.m. Nov. 1. About half of the states in the country offer early voting; Virginia is not one of them.

Voters can go to their local board of elections office to vote early, during regular office hours Monday through Friday.

North Carolina's one-stop voting allows people to register and vote on the same day. A complete registration application and proof of residence is required.

For more information, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections Web site at www.sboe.state.nc.us or contact a county board of elections office.

Lauren King, (757) 446-2309, lauren.king@pilotonline.com