The sooner the better … that’s the word form local election officials concerning absentee ballots as the November 3 Presidential Election looms.

Due to COVID-19 health concerns, state election officials say they anticipated a higher than usual rate of absentee voting this year. In Tennessee, voters may request an absentee ballot for a myriad of reasons from being over the age of 60 to being a full time student. (Click here for a complete list of absentee voting eligibility categories.)

Tennessee allows absentee voters to request a mail in ballot in as few as seven days before an election but both election officials and postal officials warn that procrastination and absentee voting don’t mix.

All Moore County registered voter who would like to request an absentee ballot from the Moore County Election Commission must send a written request containing the following:

1. Name of the registered voter
2. Address of the voter’s residence
3. Voter’s social security number
4. Voter’s date of birth
5. Address to mail the ballot
6. The election in which the voter wishes to participate. If the election involves a primary, the political party in which the voter wishes to participate.
7. Reason the voter wishes to vote absentee. If applicable, a copy of the CDL containing the CDL number or the TWIC card must be included in the voter’s request.
8. Voter’s signature

Or to fill out a Request an Absentee By-Mail Ballot for the November 3, 2020 Election form, click here.

That information or form can be sent back to the Moore County Election Commission offices via U.S. mail at PO Box 8056, Lynchburg, TN 37352 or via fax to 931-759-6394. Tennessee does not provide ballot drop off boxes nor do they allow voters to hand deliver ballots to the local elections office.

If there are questions or problem with the information you submit, a local election official will return the application to you, so you can make corrections and resubmit.

The registration deadline to vote in the Presidential Election is Monday, October 5. Absentee ballots may be requested until October 27. In order to be counted, your ballot must arrive via U.S. mail, FedEx, or UPS at the Moore County Election Commission office no later than the close of polls on Election Day.

Questions? Call the Moore Election Commission at 931-759-4532 or email them at [email protected]. To visit the state’s absentee voting information website, click here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}