MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Many people are voting by absentee, with eight-thousand people expected to vote by absentee this upcoming elections it’s a chance that allows voters to come in early to cast their vote. In many states absentee voting is not only considered, but also called early voting.

Meridian Townships Clerk, Brett Dreyfus says “Absentee ballots allow voters who are either not going to be able to be at the polling location, who have medical or other impairments that prevent them from being able to vote at the polling location and allows them to have a ballot mailed to them, or they can come in and pick up and take home with them.”

Residents like Matt Webster who are planning on being out of town, or in his case out of the country. Absentee voting was the perfect solution.

“ I would’ve missed out on my right to vote if I didn’t have this opportunity. Plus there is no line, I just came in, it took about three minutes to get my ballot, I was in and out. It made voting really easy.” Says Webster

People may enjoy the quick and easy aspect of voting, but for others like Patricia Kane she explains it allows her more time to ensure her vote. “It gives you a little more time to look over the ballot of you haven’t done all of your homework. Especially in judge’s races, I want to know who I am voting for. And by having that absentee ballot and being at home, it gives me time to do that kind of homework if you will, and research on all the candidates.” Kane states.

Each day more and more people are requesting, voting, and submitting absentee ballots. When voting absentee residents have the options of turning in their ballot one of three ways. They are able to mail their ballots in, bring it into the Townships Clerk office, or driving to the drop box after hours and turning it in.

No matter which method voters use to submit their ballots, it’s important that everyone exercises their right to vote.