Absentee ballot numbers up

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Libby's Toni Kinden has already voted for the Nov. 7 general election.

A change in the law a few years ago made it possible for Kinden to vote absentee ballot without being absent on Election Day.

The change means more voters are requesting absentee ballots, said Leigh Riggleman, clerk of elections for the Lincoln County Clerk and Recorders Office.

"We're seeing a little more than normal," Riggleman said.

As of Tuesday morning, 1,489 of the county's 12,465 voters had already cast their ballots since absentee voting began on Sept. 22. Voters can request absentee ballots until noon Monday, Nov. 6.

Before the 2000 election, voters needed a reason to request an absentee ballot. A person could vote early, for example, if he expected to be out of town or hospitalized on election day, said

The law was changed and no longer requires a reason to get an early ballot, she said.

In the case of Kinden, voting absentee ballot is a matter of convenience. She works in the county treasurer's office at the courthouse, where she cast her vote on Oct. 31. Kinden also wants to avoid election day lines at Plummer School.

"The last time we were there, we waited 10 minutes. That's not long. It's just a hassle," Kinden said.

She isn't alone.

The trend of increased absentee voting is spreading throughout Montana. Record numbers are requesting absentee ballots and casting votes before the general election.

Secretary of State Brad Johnson expects absentee voters this year to break the record number of 98,000 set in 2004.

The law also allows voters to be placed on a permanent list to vote absentee. Voters before the election will receive a confirmation card, which they must sign and return before their ballot is mailed.

There are several hundred on that list in the county, Riggleman said.

Absentee ballots can either be mailed back or hand-delivered before the close of business on Election Day.