Absentee ballots need to be in by Nov. 3

BRANCH COUNTY — Those worried about absentee ballots making it in the mail by Nov. 3, have an alternative in Coldwater and three townships.

All absentee ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. Nov. 3. This is why clerks are recommending in-person requests and drop offs.

Ballots can be dropped off at the three township halls or Coldwater city hall at the secured drop boxes.

Coldwater has a locked and secure drop box at the Monroe Street entrance of the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is another drop box located inside city hall, next to teception, during business hours.

Coldwater Township has a 24-hour secure ballot drop off box at the township hall at 319 Sprague Road.

Ovid Township has provided one for both taxes and ballots at 381 S. Angola Road, south of Coldwater.

Bethel Township also provides a secure drop box at 453 W. Hatmaker Road, the home of Clerk Lori Brewer.

These are the only ballot drop off boxes registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. You can go to the website, https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ for a list of township, village and city clerks to determine where and when you can drop off ballots before the election.

There is also a list at the website of Clerk Terry Kubasiak https://www.countyofbranch.com/departments/county-clerk/elections/.

If you have questions about where to vote in Branch County, a list of polling places are available there as well.

Coldwater City Clerk Susan Heath points out if you vote absentee you can track your application and ballot status at mi.gov/vote.

This site will show if and when an application or ballot is received.

Absentee applications can be submitted until Oct. 30 by mail or until Nov. 2, in person.

Heath officials and all the clerks still “recommend doing this as early as possible to allow you to complete the process in time to have your ballot counted.”

All in-person voting will occur at the Dearth Community Center, 235 East Garfield Avenue, on Nov. 3. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bronson this year has moved its polling place across the street from its city hall to the fire station because of expected larger crowds.