County clerk's office open today for absentee voters

The Cape Girardeau County clerk's office will be open special hours today to make it easier for voters to turn in or cast absentee ballots in advance of Tuesday's primary election, County Clerk Kara Clark said.

The clerk's main office on the third floor of the County Administration Building, 1 Barton Square in Jackson, will be open from 8 a.m. to noon, she said. To cast an absentee ballot, a voter must be unable to go to the polls Tuesday because of unavoidable circumstances such as an out-of-town trip, disability or caring for someone with a disability.

Scott County voters may cast an absentee ballot today as well, Clerk Rita Milam said. The clerk's office will be open in Benton, Mo., from 8 a.m. to noon. Absentee ballots may also be cast during regular business hours Monday, she said.

To cast a ballot, voters must show some form of identification, Clark said. Valid identification includes a voter identification card, driver's license, student identification issued in Missouri or a current utility bill with the voter's name and address.

Absentee ballots may also be cast between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday at the clerk's office in Jackson or at the county administration annex at 44 N. Lorimier St. in Cape Girardeau.