Ballots mailed for June 2 primary

They are sealed and delivered, and now awaiting official marking and return from registered voters in Sanders County. Primary election ballots were mailed out last Friday and are embarking on a far from normal election journey.

County officials are offering multiple options for voters to submit ballots for this election. “We want to make sure people have an avenue to get ballots in, that is reliable,” Clerk and Recorder Nicole Scribner stated. “We want to put minds at ease that their ballots are counted.

“Starting next week, in every precinct we’re going to have drop box sites,” Scribner said. “They will be manned by trained election officials” who will securely return the ballots to the election office daily.

For those who appreciate the feeling of voting in person, ballots will be accepted at regular polling places from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, June 2. Voters are not required to enter the buildings, as election judges will collect ballots from vehicles. In addition, those who want to vote inside, at the election office, will be allowed to do so. Scribner encourages these voters to bring their absentee ballots in with them when they vote at the office.

If voting by mail is a preferred choice, voters should be aware that regular mail can take “a good four days” according to Scribner. She highly recommends that ballots be mailed no later than Tuesday, May 26, the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Despite the short distance between Sanders County towns, it takes more than one day to deliver mail between these locations and once it reaches the courthouse, it can take and additional day or two for staff to process as they receive multiple mailings.

All drop box locations will have voter registration services for those who have not already done so. Certified election officials will be present to help register future voters at each location during operating hours. Voter registration services have been extended until May 26 due to the current challenges facing the 2020 election.

According to Scribner, voters should follow directions included in their received ballot, by placing their designated party ballot (Democrat, Republican or Green party) in the secrecy envelope which will be enclosed in the mailing envelope.

Included with each ballot was a flier referencing hours and locations of secured drop box cites. These include:

Dixon Senior Center, 35 3rd Street, Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 14, 21 and 28

Heron Community Center (behind Senior Center), 170 Railroad Ave., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 15, 22 and 29

Hot Springs Senior Center, 101 Main Street, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29

Noxon Senior Center, 211 2nd Street, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28

Plains/Paradise Senior Center, 205 W. Meany Street, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29

Thompson Falls Courthouse, 1111 Main Street W., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28

Trout Creek Senior Center, 18 Larch Street, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29

Voters are encouraged to contact the elections office at 827-6949 if they have and questions regarding the election process set in place.