With the April 24 runoff election quickly approaching, local residents should be mindful of important practices that will allow them to cast a ballot such as registering to vote or casting an absentee ballot.

Those who wish to register to vote have until this Fri., April 13, to do so.

Circuit Clerk Roger Powell said absentee voting is now under way.

Deadline for submitting an absentee ballot is April 19, at 5 p.m.

“To vote by absentee ballot, one must submit an application in writing no less than five days prior to the election,” Powell said. “Also, remember the voter must be the one to hand deliver the completed application or ballot back to the clerk’s office. No one else can do it.

“This election will be impacted on the ballot return deadlines and emergency voting because the day before the election is a state holiday,” he said.

Powell said those experiencing medical and business emergencies can vote via absentee ballot on Fri., April 20, due to Confederate Memorial Day on April 23.

All mailed ballots must be postmarked by April 23.

For a complete list of criteria and an application, visit the Covington County Courthouse or the state Secretary of State’s Web page at alabamavotes.gov.

For more information or to request an application, call 334-428-2520.