Get prepared now for what to do on Election Day

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FORT WAYNE — With about four weeks left until Election Day, Allen County Election Board officials are reminding voters to become familiar with the process and take advantage of early voting opportunities, if possible.

Those needing to register to vote or make changes to registration records have until Tuesday to do so.

Monday is the first day residents can vote in person at the downtown election board office, said Beth Dlug, director of elections.

“If they are ready, we are ready,” she said.

More than 30,000 Allen County residents voted early during the 2008 presidential election, Dlug said. She expects early voting to grow in popularity for several reasons.

“First of all, it’s convenient and those who wait to vote at their polling location may have to wait in line,” she said.

Voters must have one form of acceptable photo identification to vote in person, whether early at the election board office or on Election Day at the polls.

“There has been a lot of confusion on this issue,” Dlug said.

Since 2005, Indiana has had the same voter identification requirements, which stipulate that one qualified form of ID must be presented when voting, Dlug said. Acceptable IDs include U.S. passports, military IDs, Indiana driver’s licenses or a BMV-issued ID card.

The BMV offers free ID cards, and there’s plenty of time to obtain one, Dlug said.

To vote absentee, qualified voters must first request an application. A complete list of qualifications and the application can be downloaded from www.allencountyvoters.info.

Applications must then be returned to the election board office by fax, email or U.S. postal mail no later than 11:59 p.m. Oct. 29.

Voted ballots must be returned to the election board office no later than noon on Election Day.

The election board’s website includes absentee ballot applications, sample ballots, election deadlines and instructions, Dlug said. The site allows voters to verify registration status and find polling locations – even driving directions, all in one stop, Dlug said.

Dlug recommends voters use the county’s site or the Indiana secretary of state’s site, as other Internet resources may have outdated forms and information.

The Allen County Election Board office is at 1 W. Superior St.

Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Nov. 2; from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3; and from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 5.

For more information, call Dlug at 449-7329 or go to www.allencountyvoters.

vsade@jg.net