PARKE COUNTY, Ind – Anyone concerned about voting because of the coronavirus is encouraged to vote at home using an absentee ballot.

To receive an absentee ballot for the 2020 Primary Election, you must complete an application and submit it to the Parke County Election Board via the County Clerk’s office before the Thursday, April 23, 2020 deadline (closes at 4:00 pm). After you receive your absentee ballot, fill it out and return it to the Election Board office no later than noon on Election Day. It can be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand-delivered. Applications and ballots received after the deadline cannot be processed (even if postmarked by the deadline). Those voting absentee-by-mail are NOT required to show photo ID. Visit https://forms.in.gov to get the form (47090) online.

To vote absentee-by-mail, one of the following must apply:

* You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6 am until 6 pm).

* You have a disability.

* You are at least 65 years of age.

* You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct.

* You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.

* You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.

* You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.

* You are a participant in the state’s address confidentiality program.

* You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.

* You are a “serious sex offender” as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).

* You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls.