Montgomery County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Stephanie Burke is encouraging those wishing to vote in the June 2 Primary Election to vote absentee by mail due to the recent concerns with coronavirus and COVID-19.

“Iowa’s June 2 Primary Election will go forward as planned, but I am encouraging citizens to vote by mail. It is our continued effort to keep our Montgomery County community safe and healthy. One way we are doing that, is by mailing every registered voter in Montgomery County an absentee ballot request form.” Auditor Burke said. “The Auditor’s office is currently working on the mailing and registered voters in Montgomery County should be receiving them in the near future if they haven’t received them already.”

After the Auditor’s office receives the completed absentee request form, a ballot will be mailed when they are ready. “Once you receive your ballot, vote it, sign the postage paid return envelope, and stick it in the mail – you’re done. It really is that simple.” Burke explained. Voters are reminded that for the Primary Election, they must choose a political party on the request form in order to receive the correct ballot.

The Iowa Secretary of State recently announced that their office will also be mailing absentee request forms at the end of April. “Our office already made the decision to do a mass mailing and started the process before the Secretary of State made the announcement, so we are going to continue with the mailing as planned. Those of you that already returned a request form to the Auditor’s office for the Primary Election, you do not need to submit another.” Burke said. Absentee requests to vote by mail must be received in the Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. on May 22.

“We want to bring the polls to you, please vote from the comfort of your own home. Be heard, but be safe.” For more information about the 2020 Primary Election or absentee voting, please call the Auditor’s office at 623-5127. You can also follow Montgomery County Auditor & Elections Facebook page and at www.montgomerycountyiowa.com.