News : Absentee balloting starts Sept. 27; voter registration deadline Oct. 27

**NOTICE TO VOTERS**

GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2012

ABSENTEE VOTING IN THE AUDITOR’S OFFICE:Absentee ballots will be available on, Thursday, September 27, 2012, at the Benton County Auditor’s Office and may be voted in the office until 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 5, 2012.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS BY MAIL: A ballot may be mailed to you upon your request. Requests can be in writing (you must include your name, address, date of birth, date, name of election and signature) or on an official absentee ballot request form. Requests must be received by the auditor’s office no later than 5:00 p.m.on Friday, November 2nd, 2012. Official forms may be obtained by contacting the auditor’s office or by clicking on the link to the Secretary of State’s website under Elections: http://sos.iowa.gov

VOTER REGISTRATION:You must be registered to vote to participate in the General Election. Registration may be done in several ways.

1. You may register in person in the auditor’s office. The deadline is 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27th, 2012.

2. You may mail your registration to the auditor’s office. Voter registrations that are mailed and not received by 5:00 p.m.on Saturday, October 27, 2012, must be postmarked by Monday, October 22nd, 2012.

3. Election Day Registration - You may register at your polling place on Election Day by presenting a current photo ID and proof of residency to the election officials. Contact the auditor’s office for a list of approved documents.

VOTING EQUIPMENT TESTING: A public test of the AutoMark ballot-marking devices will begin on Monday, September 24th, 2012,at 10:00 a.m.at the Benton County Auditor’s Office, 111 E 4th Street, Vinton.

A public test of the AccuVote optical scan precinct count units will begin on Monday, October 8th, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.at the Benton County Auditor’s Office.

EXTENDED HOURS: The Benton County Auditor’s Office will be open

Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.until 5:00 p.m.

Friday, November 2, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.until 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 3, 2012, from 9:00 a.m.until 5:00 p.m.and

Monday, November 5, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.until 5:00 p.m.

CONTACT: The Benton County Auditor’s Office if you have questions regarding voter registration, absentee voting, or other election related issues:

JILL MARLOW, BENTONCOUNTYAUDITOR

P.O. BOX549

VINTON, IOWA52349

319-472-2365

E-MAIL: bcauditor@co.benton.ia.us