Absentee voting sees steady turnout in Cape County

CAPE COUNTY, Mo. — Absentee voting is underway in Cape County, with hundreds of voters casting ballots each day ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Cape County Clerk Kara Clark-Summers said turnout has been steady since absentee voting began Oct. 20, with voters taking advantage of the opportunity to cast their ballots early.

“We are voting probably over 400 people daily last week,” Clark-Summers said. “And I think we’re going to increase that to over 500 today. It’s been really steady and busy every day.”

County election offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Additional hours will be available Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to noon to accommodate voters.

Registered voters in Cape Girardeau County can cast absentee ballots at the county clerk’s office before Election Day. Regular polling locations will open Nov. 3, with voting hours from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Clark-Summers said absentee ballots provide voters with additional time and flexibility to participate in the election. Although ballots are submitted ahead of Election Day, they are still counted after polls close at 7 p.m., she said.

Voters should bring a valid, state-issued photo identification when casting their ballots.

For voters who are unable to enter their polling location, curbside voting is available. Clark-Summers said voters can call the county clerk’s office to request assistance, allowing election officials to bring the ballot to their vehicle.

With absentee voting continuing ahead of Election Day, county officials encourage voters to plan ahead and take advantage of the available options to make their voices heard.