Circuit clerks all across the state are gearing up for the election on Nov. 4. The ballot will include the U.S. Senate race, the U.S. House, four judgeships and initiative measure. Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Dustin Bairfield has released information for those looking to request absentee ballots.

Military overseas can request absentee ballots beginning 40 days prior to the election. Ballots can be requested through fax, email or mail. Bairfield said they are now using the Ballot Safe System, by which a solider can send an email to the circuit clerk’s office. Bairfield will then give that soldier’s email to the Secretary of State’s office, and the solider will receive an email from the SS to vote. He said this is the first year they are using this system, and it gives more privacy then a fax or regular email.

The general public can begin calling the circuit clerk’s office Monday to request absentee ballots. Bairfield said people will have to submit an affidavit for why they can’t vote Nov. 4. He said some reasons may include being out of the county, state or country, people over the age of 65, poll workers or taking care of someone. He added that there is a list of homebound citizens who will be sent cards, and someone may call to be added to the existing list.

Ballots will begin to be mailed out Wednesday.

The Circuit Clerk’s office will have a special opening Saturday, Oct. 4 and 25 for anyone who needs to come to the office and vote but are unable to make it Monday through Friday. The office will be fully functional on those Saturdays for any other type of regular business as well.

Oct. 4 is the last day for new voters to register. If a person is 17 but will be turning 18 on or before Nov. 4, then they are eligible to vote in this election.

For more information about registration or to request absentee ballots contact Bairfield.

Mail: P.O. Box 357 Brookhaven, MS 39601

Call: 601-835-3435; Fax: 601-835-3482

Email: dbairfield@co.lincoln.ms.us; Visit: 301 S. 1st Street, Room 205, Brookhaven, MS;

Website: www.deltacomputersystems.com/ms/lccc/INDEX.HTML