By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
With the 2008 general election just under three weeks away, the request for absentee ballots is expected to exceed the number of the special ballots usually cast in an election.
Taylor said with the Oct. 30 deadline would probably see a very high number of absentee ballots cast in what some analysts say will be the most interesting presidential election in history.
Along with the election of a new president for the United States, voters will also be deciding some local races as well.
Taylor said the deadline for returning absentee ballots in person is Nov. 3
Absentee ballots will also be accepted through the mail, but a Nov. 4 deadline may be difficult to make if the ballots are not mailed early enough, Taylor said.
The voter may return absentee ballots in person to the clerk's office at the Escambia County Courthouse, Taylor said.
Taylor emphasized the legal aspects of casting an absentee ballot and said guidelines must be followed in order for the absentee ballots to be valid.
In order for a person to qualify to vote by absentee ballot, there are certain requirements that must be met, Taylor said.
Each voter must meet at least one of the following requirements in order to be allowed to vote by absentee ballot: