Absentee ballots to be allowed

March 20, 2020

The Wise County registrar’s office is committed to help voters cast a ballot in May 5 town council elections despite the coronavirus threat, Registrar Allison Robbins says.

Absentee voting in town elections begins March 20.

Local May council elections will take place in every town except Big Stone Gap, which moved its elections to November in line with county elections.

In a Wednesday morning release, Robbins noted that the Virginia Department of Elections will allow voters in all town elections to case absentee ballots. “ALL voters are encouraged to request and vote an absentee ballot by mail.”

To request an absentee ballot by mail:

• Apply online using the Virginia Department of Elections secure Citizen Portal: vote.elections.virginia.gov/absentee. In some instances, you may not be able to submit your request online and will need the ability to print out an application.

• Call or email the county Office of Elections and Voter Registration (276/328-8331 or registrar@wisecounty.org). An absentee ballot application form will be mailed to you, which you can submit via email to registrar@wisecounty.org or regular mail to Office of Elections & Voter Registration, P.O. Box 309, Wise, Va. 24293.

April 13 is the last day to register to vote or update your address to vote in the May 5 town elections. April 28 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you.

Questions? Call or email the registrar’s office using the above contact information. Also, follow the office on Facebook at Wise County Votes.