In-person absentee voting for the 2023 General Election begins Monday, Sept. 25.

Anyone eligible to vote absentee can do so in the office of Circuit Clerk Dustin Bairfield, Room 205 in the Lincoln County/Brookhaven Government Complex at 301 South First St. Those who are eligible to vote absentee are any qualified voters who will be out of the area due to full-time education, is age 65 or older, is disabled or hospitalized, will be at work during the times polls are open (7 a.m. until 7 p.m.), or will be out of the county on election day for any reason.

The Primary Election Day on Aug. 8 featured state and county offices on the ballot. The Primary Runoff Election on Aug. 29 featured runoffs in 65 counties, including six legislative races.

“Unfortunately, the turnout for this primary election was approximately 30 percent of registered voters, the lowest statewide turnout since 2007,” according to Secretary of State Michael Watson. “(This is) despite the promising absentee ballot numbers, and the work we’ve done registering and educating voters around the state.”

In Lincoln County, less than 45 percent of eligible voters determined the results of the Primary Election.

“As a reminder, elections directly affect every part of our daily lives. From the roads on which we drive, the amount of taxes we pay, and even the regulations on our barbers, all are controlled by the people we elect,” Watson said. “Whether you show up on Election Day or not, a decision will be made as to who will be creating, regulating, and enforcing laws at both the state and county levels. I encourage each of you, regardless of the races on the ballot, to show up on Election Day to ensure you have a voice in who will be making decisions impacting you.”

Anyone who has not yet registered to vote, yet plans to vote in the November General Election, has until 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, to do so. If the registration is mailed in, it must be postmarked by Tuesday, Oct. 10.

In-person absentee voting will conclude Saturday, Nov. 4, at noon. Tuesday, Nov. 7, is Election Day.