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The November general election is quickly approaching and so are deadlines for those wishing to vote absentee.

Escambia County Circuit Clerk John Robert Fountain said voters have until Nov. 3 to apply for an absentee ballot.

“Applications for absentee ballots must be filed in the office not less than five days prior to the election,” Fountain said. “That means the deadline to apply is Thursday, Nov. 3 by 4 p.m.”

Fountain said any qualified voter may vote by absentee ballot if they meet all of the requirements in the application.

To request an absentee ballot application, you may visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at the Escambia County Courthouse in room 215 or by mail to P.O. Box 856, Brewton, AL 36427. For those wishing to apply for an absentee ballot on-line, visit www.sos.state.al.us.

After completing and signing the application, the voter may hand the application to the absentee election manager/circuit clerk or forward it by mail. No applications may be submitted by anyone other than the voter named on the ballot application. The only exception is being a designee for a medical emergency. Only one application per envelope will be accepted through the mail.

Fountain said the ballot may be handed to the applicant or be forwarded through mail to the applicant address.

Voter identification is now required by Alabama’s Voting Laws. Identification compliance instructions will be provided with the absentee application, Fountain said.

In order for ballots to be counted in the upcoming election, all ballots must be delivered in person no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7. For those ballots mailed, they must be postmarked no later than one day prior to the election. Business emergency ballots must be voted in the office in person and handed to the circuit clerk. Medical emergency ballots must returned no later than noon on Election Day.

The Circuit Clerk’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional questions, contact the office at 867-0225, ext. 225.

Timeline for Absentee Voting:

Oct. 24 – last day to register to vote in person on election day

Nov. 1 – Last day absentee ballot applications can be received by mail

Nov. 3 – Last day absentee applications can be hand delivered

Nov. 7 – Last day absentee ballots can be received by hand

Nov. 8 – Last day ballots received by mail by 12:00 noon.

Nov. 8 – Election Day