Early, absentee voting opens

The period for early voting, as well as to pick up absentee ballots for the primary election officially opened July 7, just over five weeks ahead of the primary election on Aug. 16.

Ballots can be picked up at the Hot Springs County Clerk's Office, but voters must be registered. Ballots can also be requested by calling the Clerk's Office at 864-3515, and there are sample ballots posted and available to pick up at the office should voters want them to look over their options prior to decisions.

Voters may choose to register as unaffiliated, or under the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian or Constitution party. County Clerk Nina Webber noted people can get an absentee ballot or do same day early voting up until the day before the election, Aug. 15, but election day voting must be done at one of the polling locations including the fair building, the museum or the armory.