Those eligible to vote in School District 2142’s special election, but unable to make it to the polls on Dec. 8, can cast their vote by absentee ballot.

The Dec. 8 special election is to determine whether the district should issue $78.8 million in bonds and proceed with a restructuring plan to consolidate students in fewer schools.

There are several ways to obtain an absentee ballot, according to Linda Cox, at the district’s central office. Ballots are available at city and town halls across the district and can be requested online at the school’s website at www.isd2142.k12.mn.us. You can also obtain an absentee ballot at the school’s central office, at 1701 Ninth Ave. N., in Virginia.

Absentee votes can be cast up to the day of the special election, Cox said, but must arrive at the district office by Election Day or the votes will be discarded. Cox suggested that those mailing in their votes allow at least two to three days for delivery if they are being sent within the state and to plan accordingly for votes mailed from further distances.

You may also deliver your ballot in person to the district office in Virginia by 5 p.m. on the day before Election Day or have another person return your ballot by 3 p.m. on Election Day. However, a person cannot return ballots for more than three voters.

Instructions are included with the absentee ballot. They specify that you must have a witness to vote by absentee ballot. A witness may be anyone who is registered to vote in Minnesota, including your spouse or another relative. Other potential witnesses could be a notary public or a person with the authority to administer oaths.

You need only show the unmarked ballot to the witness and can mark your ballot in private.

If you make an error when marking your ballot, you may request a new ballot from the election official from whom you received your ballot. If you cannot request a new ballot, completely erase any errors and remark your ballot. Do not put any identifying marks on the ballot.

The completed ballot should be placed in the ballot secrecy envelope and sealed. Do not write on the ballot secrecy envelope. That envelope is then put into the ballot return envelope and sealed. Print your name and address on the back of the return envelope. Sign your name. The name, address and signature of your witness is required as well. Then mail the envelope or return it in person to the address on the ballot return envelope.

Cox said at least 200 absentee ballots have already been cast in the election. She also reported a few mishaps with some envelopes included with packets that didn’t have proper written identification of their purpose on the back.

“We received the envelopes from the county and there was a printing error on some,” Cox explained. “We’ve checked the other envelopes since then and haven’t found any more with the errors.”

Should you have any further questions after receiving your absentee ballot, contact the district office at (218) 749-8130.