To the editor:
The League of Women Voters Hancock County would like to remind residents how fortunate we are in this county to have a local newspaper that reports on community issues, covers our children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and provides a forum for us to be better aware of what’s happening within our county. Far too many communities have lost their local newspapers, and they are poorer for that loss.
We also wish to remind the community of our good fortune in having government officials that promote and encourage the active involvement of informed voters. Unfortunately, this is not true in every community in our great country and is one reason why our organization exists.
For 100 years, the League of Women Voters has been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy. Toward this end, the national office has established vote411.org, and our state and local leagues have populated it with information about candidates and offices. If you visit vote411.org and key in your address, the site will direct you to official government sites that provide information regarding where and how to vote.
You can also register to vote, update your address or check your voter registration at https://indianavoters.in.gov/. Ensure you do this before voter registration closes October 5th. The public library has computers and internet access for those who have difficulty performing this task at home. You can, of course, also visit or call the local election office.
Those with a qualifying excuse may request an ABSENTEE BALLOT now through Oct. 22. If you are uncomfortable with returning it by mail or fear you don’t have enough time, you can take it to the drop box outside the Election Office at the Hancock County Courthouse, 9 E. Main Street. If you drop off someone else’s ballot, you must complete the ABS-19 form that is on top of the drop box.
Your ballot envelope will have pre-paid postage. You do not need to add additional postage. Do not use pencil to complete it. There is an instruction sheet that provides details on how to complete the ballot and return it to ensure it is counted.
You can use the “My Voter Portal” at https://indianavoters.in.gov/ to verify your ABS Mail application was received, see when the ballot was mailed to you, and when the return ballot was received.
If you have a problem with your absentee ballot or simply decide at the last minute that you prefer to vote in person, you can go to the voting center, request the absentee ballot be canceled, complete an ABS-5, and vote in person. There will be a delay while the election worker verifies information with the Election Office, so please allow additional time if you find you need to use this option.
There will be early voting opportunities at the Hancock County Annex, 111 American Legion Place, Greenfield, on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 30, as well as Monday, Nov. 2, until noon; and on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.
There will be early voting at the Greenfield and Sugar Creek branches of the Hancock County Public Library on weekdays 2 to 7 p.m. beginning Monday, Oct. 19. Voting also will be available on Saturdays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; as well as Sundays from to 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.
Additionally, the Fortville Community Center and the Buck Creek Township Fire Department will offer early voting on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Oct. 19, 2020. Early voting at those sites also will be available on Saturday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 from 1–4 p.m.
Linda J. Dunn
Greenfield
Linda J. Dunn is president of the League of Women Voters Hancock County.
