Election Day still is about a month away. But thanks to absentee balloting, some Scioto County residents have gotten an early start on voting.

Election board director Jane Saddler said her office sent out 200 absentee ballots on Tuesday, the first day of absentee balloting.

“We've had people come in for ballots since then,” she said. “We normally have a lot of absentee ballots, but it really depends on the election.”

Absentee ballots must be turned in by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, which is Nov. 6.

This year features several city and New Boston government races, along with numerous county trustee races being contested.

Therefore, it is a fairly large election on the local scale.

Another important date is coming up for the election season. Tuesday is the last day for registering to vote before next month's elections. The board of elections office at the county courthouse will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for those still needing to register.

Those who vote on Election Day must present photo identification or any other document that proves where the voter lives. That can include a utility bill or bank statement with an address on it.

A voter also can present the last four digits of their Social Security number or driver's license.

In another election issue, the Valley Township Board of Trustees has announced candidates must obtain a permit and place a deposit before displaying election signs.

A permit can be obtained by contacting township fiscal officer Bonnie Turner at 30 White Lane in Lucasville or by calling (740) 259-2251.

JEFF BARRON can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.