There is a chance that early voting for the Tuesday, Aug. 2, Barton County primary election could be available Friday, but it will definitely be up and going by Monday, said Bev Schmeidler, county clerk and election officer. 

Primary voter registration closed Tuesday, setting the stage for early voting to have started as early as Thursday. However, that was not to be,  Schmeidler said. Her office had the needed election materials, but voting equipment had to be tested and prepared. 

Election officials advise those thinking about voting on Friday to call the Clerk’s Office first.

Once it starts, early voting ends at noon on Monday the day before the election, or Aug. 1. 

Advance voting by mail is available by application through the Barton County Clerk’s Office. Mailing of advance ballots will start as soon as voting is offered.   

Ballots must to be returned to Barton County Clerk’s office by 7 p.m. on election day or, if returning by mail, the ballot must be postmarked by election day. Ballots may be returned to one’s polling location on election day.

Polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day only.

The ballot includes state and national offices, county commissioners, county clerk, township clerks, and Republican and Democratic precinct men and women. It will also include the constitutional amendment known as “Value Them Both” which would limit abortions in the state.

For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at 620-793-1835.