As the gap closes between now and Election Day, voters should know today is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot.

Pearl Givens with the City of Andalusia said the deadline is set for today at 5 p.m. and urges residents of any municipality to apply for and cast their absentee ballot in person instead of submitting them by mail. Ballots will not be accepted if delivered to city hall by a person other than the voter.

Givens said those sent by mail must be postmarked by Aug. 27 and received at city hall by noon.

Givens said those facing cases of extreme emergency also have an option after today to cast their ballots.

“It is understood that things happen, emergencies happen,” she said. “Now, there is a provision for an emergency absentee ballot. Those applications are available and to qualify, one must meet extenuating circumstances and provide adequate documentation.

“For example, if there is a medical emergency, you are required to submit a signed physician’s statement. All of that has to be done by the close of business on Monday and can be delivered by a person’s representative.

“Then, there is also a provision for a business emergency, but when you sign the application, you are solemnly swearing that you will be out of the county on business prior to the five days prior to the election.

“The voter must deliver the application by hand to city hall during the five days prior to the election,” she said. “Ballots must be returned to city hall on Aug. 27 by close of business, which is 5 p.m. at city hall.”

Givens said to date, 98 voters have requested an absentee ballot.

“Then on Tuesday, we’ll throw open the doors of the Kiwanis building and hold an election,” she said.

The polls will open Tues., Aug. 28, at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.