Madison Reporter

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Today marks the beginning of the absentee voting process for hospitalized voters, allowing them to participate in elections from their hospital rooms. The initiative, which runs until 5 p.m. on Election Day, aims to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot.

To kickstart the process, hospitalized voters are required to appoint an agent who will facilitate the absentee voting procedure. The agent must present their ID along with a copy of the voter's ID to the Clerk’s Office. In cases where voter registration is necessary, the agent will also submit a voter registration application and proof of the voter’s address to the Clerk’s Office.

Once the necessary documentation is in order, the agent will deliver the absentee ballot to the hospitalized voter. After marking their ballot and completing the certificate envelope, the voter hands it back to the agent, who then returns it to the Clerk’s Office. All completed absentee ballots will be forwarded to polling stations for counting on Election Day.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway emphasized the significance of voting as a cornerstone of democracy, stating, "Voting is one of our most important democratic responsibilities and rights." She further highlighted the importance of upholding voting rights, especially in the face of current challenges, by stating, "Especially in the current climate of efforts to restrict the ability to vote, it’s important that we all exercise the fundamental rights that generations of Americans fought so hard to attain."

The City Clerk’s Office reiterates its commitment to ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the electoral process and have their vote counted.