Early voting continues to March 14 in county

BENTON — Early voting has begun in Franklin County for the March 15 primary election.
There is just one contested race for county offices. Incumbent State's Attorney Evan Owens, a Democrat, is being challenger by political newcomer Jason Drew.
Voters will also elect precinct committeemen and county board representatives. Circuit Clerk Nancy Hobbs and Coroner Marty Leffler, both Democrats, have no primary opposition.
Early voting began Thursday and will continue through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Franklin County Election Office, 202 W. Main St., in the county annex building.
Early voting will also take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Christopher City Hall and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Denning Township at West Frankfort on Saturday, March 5. The Franklin County Election Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the month of February.
Early voters must be registered voters with a valid photograph ID showing their current voter registration address. Early voters are not eligible to vote on election day.
Absentee voting may be done by individuals unable to make it to their polling place on the day of the election. You may request a mailed absentee ballot or you may come to the election office and vote absentee in person.  
Voting by mail requests will be received starting Dec. 16 and ballots are currently being mailed. The last day to mail a ballot is March 10 and it must be postmarked no later than March 15 to be counted.
Grace period registration and voting will take place between Feb. 17 and March 15. Grace period voting allows people who have never registered to vote or failed to change their address or voting information to make these changes after the normal deadline. Grace period voters must register or update their information in the county clerk's election office. They are also required to cast their ballot in the election office.
County Clerk Greg Woolard said the last day to register to vote is Feb. 16 for the primary; Oct. 11 for the general election on Nov. 8.
Franklin County has 35 voting precincts. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on March 15.
Election questions can be directed to the county clerk's election office at (618) 439-3403.