VOTING: Homebound? No wheels? We’ve got you covered

Recently, an area resident contacted the Cherokeean Herald to ask how one can cast a ballot in upcoming elections they don’t have transportation or are unable to leave their residence. Thankfully, Cherokee County residents have some options: 

County Election Administrator Kandace Herring provided step-by-step information on the process to vote by mail. This option is available to eligible voters who are 65 and older, disabled or who will be out-of-country during the election period (early voting or Election Day itself).

“1. Voter can call our office, or go to our website, to get an application to vote by mail. This must be done annually, if unsure if they’ve submitted one earlier this year, call our office and ask, 903-683-8409. 

2. Complete the application thoroughly and either mail or bring in person to the Election Department at 138 W. 5th St. in Rusk. Application must be brought in by person requesting it, if done in-person. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 25.

3. If accepted, we will send a ballot to the address the person has selected. If rejected, they will get a letter or phone call letting them know they need to make a correction. (Ballots began going out about 30 days before the Nov. 5 Election Day)

4. Vote the received ballot, complete the portion of the envelope that asks for ID # or last 4 of SSN. Sign by the ‘X’ and mail back to us. We must receive the ballot on Election Day (Nov.5), or the day after IF it is post-marked on Election Day. Voter can also hand-deliver their own ballot to our office ON ELECTION DAY ONLY.”

Herring also noted that voters who are able to get to any of the countywide polling places, but who are physically unable to get inside the location to cast a ballot are eligible for curbside voting.

“There will be a large sign in front of a parking spot that is designated for curbside voters. They will call the phone number on that sign letting us know they are there and a worker will be out shortly to assist them with voting from their vehicle,” she explained, adding, “it is important to note, this is service for disabled voters only. It is not drive-thru voting for someone who just doesn't want to get out of their vehicle.”

GoBus offers services within Cherokee County Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A pilot route added last month for local service on Tuesday is in addition to previously offered out-of-county service, officials said.

“GoBus will pick you up at your home or specified location and take you to the destination of your choice,” according to www.gobustransit.com. “Trips are reservation based and must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are first come, first served, based on availability.”

To utilize the service, call 1-800-590-3371 to book your trip or request a trip online through the website.

Herring said that the county-wide polling system has proven helpful for voters with disabilities or needing transportation “because they have the option of 16 different location on Election Day. Whichever is easiest access for them, they are eligible to vote at.”