From: Sandy Carmichael
Columbus
The most fundamental right citizens have in a democracy is the right to choose their government’s leaders by voting. As the great champion of civil rights and recently deceased John Lewis once said, “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society and we must use it.”
As one of the 10,000 people 65 years or older registered to vote in Bartholomew County, I am concerned about on-site voting during the current health crisis.
Indiana law allows a citizen who is 65 years of age or older to vote by mail. Therefore, I have requested an absentee ballot. If you too are a senior and have similar concerns about your health or other reasons not to appear at a poling site, I urge you to request an absentee ballot. Voting absentee is not difficult. Here are the steps you need to follow to do it:
–On a computer go to indianavoters.in.gov.
–Check the box “vote by mail."
— On the next page, click on “visit my voter portal."
–Complete the steps as prompted.
As a registered voter, your electronic signature is on file and can be used to complete the application online. If you would rather mail the application to the clerk’s office, you will need to download it, print it, and sign it. Then mail the completed form to: Bartholomew County Clerk P.O. Box 924 Columbus, IN, 47202.
If you do not have access to a computer or do not want to use the online process, you can call the clerk’s office at 379-1604 and request the application for an absentee ballot form to be mailed it to you.
In conclusion, if you are 65 and over and chose not to vote in person, I urge you to vote by absentee ballot either online or by mail. Request your ballot now. According to Jay Phelps, Bartholomew County Clerk, their office will be mailing out ballots the week of Sept. 14. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 22.
The right to vote gives you a powerful voice in our democracy. Let yours be heard in the Nov. 3, 2020 general election. Every vote matters.
